FANAD ~ Carryblagh (near Portsalon) ~ St. Colmcille's Well

This Holy Well sits at the roadside about 5 minutes drive from Portsalon on the Fanad peninsula of Donegal.
Prior to being renovated in 2010 this Well was surrounded by hazel and other bushes which were a place people visiting the Well could hang votives.  It now has a large cairn of stones there as depicted in old photographs from the start of the 20th century.   It is now enclosed in a stone structure and votives are left atop it.  Set in the information stone there is a small box containing a statue of St. Colmcille.
 
The cures ascribed to this Well include toothache and aching limbs.
 
A stone plaque there reads: “SAINT COLMCILLE
Saint Colmcille was born in Gartan, Co. Donegal on 7th December 521 A.D.  He was a descendant of Niall of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland.  Tradition has it around 550A.D. he was travelling in the Fanad are when he lost his prayer book.  He came across a deer drinking out of this Well and his prayer book was impaled on the deers antlers.  Delighted at having found it, he blessed the Well.  The Well has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.  In 563 A.D. he travelled to the Island of Iona, Scotland, where he established a famous monastery.  He died in Iona on 9th June 597 A.D.”
 
Another stone reads:
 
“’THE TURAS’
ST. COLMCILLE’S WELL
(Carryblagh)
Founded circa 550 A.D.
Annual ‘Turas’ 9th – 17th June (inclusive)
TO BE DONE THREE TIMES
1st STATION - 5 Our Father’s, 5 Hail Mary’s, 5 Gloria’s
2nd STATION - 5 Our Father’s, 5 Hail Mary’s, 5 Gloria’s
3rd STATION - 7 Our Father’s, 7 Hail Mary’s, 7 Gloria’s
When stations completed, start saying Rosary at Well and walk around the cairn three times throwing a stone onto the cairn each time.  If Rosary not completed finish it in front of Well.
SAINT COLMCILLE’S PRAYER
Almighty God and all merciful Father, who chose St. Colmcille as a witness to the Gospel, and as a messenger of peace.  Through his intersection hear our prayer.
Bless every family.  Help us all to grow in faith and strengthen the bonds of unity, peace and serenity.
Bless the children and the young and sustain us in our daily labours with your never ending love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.” 

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Viewed from adjoining road.
PARKING: Only roadside so park with care.