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You are here: Home>Wells and Village Pumps

Wells and Village Pumps

When compiling his letters to the Ordnance Survey between 1834 and 1841, the renowned antiquarian, historian and linguist John O’Donovan said of the parish of Claregalway, that it was

‘poorly cultivated, the greater portion under pasture which in many places is of barren rock… …The inhabitants are subject to threat for want of water in seasons of drought.’

The parish is situated on a flat plain of karstic Viséan Limestone through which the water flows with ease. Sometimes the groundwater overflows into the many turloughs in the district, but in times of low rainfall, the water quickly disappears into the porous bedrock underneath the inhabitants. The pursuit of drinking water, particularly during the summer months has long been a concern for
the inhabitants of the parish. So much so, that some 42 known vernacular wells are located within the parish (and likely many more that have been lost to time). Many are located in the old villages or clacháns of Claregalway. Some are elaborate constructions and others are little more than spring wells. Many have names such as Tobar Eorna, Tobar Cuilín, Tobar Buidhe and Tobar Chaonin, while others are unnamed. They supplied the population with clean water for domestic and agricultural use through the centuries, and were the focal point of life in the parish for centuries past. In the late 19th century, village pumps began to be installed. These again would often be meeting places on summer evenings where gossip might be shared, and stories passed through generations.

Through 2023, the Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society have been documenting and surveying the wells and pumps of the parish. This year, we will publish here, our look at the wells and village pumps of the parish, and examine their styles, names, locations and folklore. We’ll take a look at just
how important these places have been to the people of Claregalway for many centuries, and what may become of them into the future.

Cahergowan/SummerfieldCarnmore EastCarnmore WestClaregalwayCloughaun CloonCloonacauneenCregboyCurraghmoreGortadooeyGortatlevaGortcloonmoreKiltrogue KiniskaKnockdoemoreLoughgeorge LakeviewLecarrowmoreLissarullaLydacanMontiagh NorthMontiagh SouthSouthMullaghrutteryPeakPollaghrevaghRockwoodRooaunmoreWaterdaleCaherlea

  • Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society re-scheduled talk

    Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society re-scheduled talk

    Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society re-scheduled talk on the pumps and wells of the parish
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