Repair works to begin on Fore's St Feichin's Well

Believed to have a cure for sick children, St Feichin’s Pool or Bath (Doagh Feighin) is a well-known monument in Fore, and there was a tradition of tying rags to the ash tree growing beside the well.

In recent times however, the holy well, which is classified on the Archaeological Record of Monuments and Places, has fallen into disrepair, with cracks developed in the wall surrounding the holy well, and the tree suffering from ash dieback disease, has now died.

For health and safety reasons the site was fenced off and last year a conservation plan was prepared. During that time, the wall surrounding the well partially collapsed and the need to carry out remedial works became a priority. Funding for these works has now been awarded under the Community Monuments Fund from the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Planned works include removal of the collapsed wall, which is a modern feature built in the 1980s, and its replacement with a native hawthorn hedge which will be planted on three sides. The dead tree will be felled, and a low decorative fence will be installed along the existing footpath with a gate allowing access to maintain the well.

“Works will not only address health and safety concerns at the site but will greatly improve its presentation and make it more accessible to visitors”, says Westmeath County Council Heritage Officer, Melanie McQuade. Works are due to commence in the coming weeks and will be done under ministerial consent. Conservation architect Fergal McNamara from 7L Architects has specified the design and archaeologist Eoin Halpin of Archaeology and Heritage Consultancy Ltd will oversee the works.