Malin Well: Malin Head
Taken from Inishowen. A journey through its past. By Neil McGrory

Malin Head is without question remarkable. The coastal drive from Lagg via the Knockamany Bens with its outstanding views of Western Inishowen, Fanad and the mystical and remote Tory Island on the horizon evoke images of Tir-na-nog. Trees and bushes are scarce in this unique landscape, the wind and sea-airs do not help their growth - maybe it was this spartan environment that gave rise to the customs and beliefs associated with the monastic foundation at Malin Well.

Holy wells were originally associated with the pagan belief of the sanctity of water, in fact local tradition states that the original foundation was built to exorcise the evil from the area. "The Wee House of Malin" is the little cave behind the ruins of the old church. Supposedly the home of a hermit - the legend goes that no matter how many people enter the cave there will always be room. The "Saint" venerated was St.Muirdhealach. He supposedly blessed the well (located in a cavern underneath the large rock directly in front of the ruins of the church). Festivities were held here on the eve of the 15th August in the form of a strange mixture of prayer and entertainment. Reports from various observers stated "People bathe with great success" (pococke 1752), and perhaps more interestingly that a pilgrimage is performed in summer with people dropping beads in the water.

"all vehemently whispering prayers but the ceremony finishes...
by a good ablution in the sea, male and female,
all frisking and playing in the water
stark naked and washing off each other's sins."
(McParlan 1801)

The location of this site is stunning and enchanting, it's history colourful and the presence in the past of a cursing stone (now in the National museum) helps to illustrate the contradictions of history, and the complexities of Christianity using pagan customs and beliefs to ease the strain of conversion.

Malin Well is situated 4km from the junction at Bree. Travelling from Malin on the coast road one continues straight at the junction passing by the right hand gable of the shop and continues on this road until reaching another small junction with a sharp turn left. "The Wee House of Malin" is signposted at this junction and is situated on the shore side at the bottom of a steep hill.

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