Chair with reputed 'healing powers' granted protected status

A historic site near Augher in County Tyrone, long linked with myths and believed by some to hold healing properties, has been officially granted protected status. Known as St Patrick's Chair and Well, and also referred to as the Druids Chair and Well or St Brigid's Well, it joins a growing list of Northern Ireland monuments receiving historic recognition this week.

Though its origins remain unclear, local traditions suggest the location was initially a center for pagan rituals. Later, it became a Christian sacred site following a visit by Saint Patrick in the fifth century AD, accompanied by St Macartan of nearby Clogher.

Mary McGee, a local historian, explained, "Visitors keep comingsome for curiosity, others hoping for the wells reputed cures." She described the site as comprising a large sandstone block shaped like a throne, beneath which lies a perennial well believed to never dry up.

"Legend claims ancient druids conducted various rites here, from sacrifices to magical practices," McGee said, adding that the site was transformed into a Christian landmark when St Patrick arrived. According to the tale, locals constructed the stone chair as a tribute to the aging saint, while the well was said to have been left as a gift by him.

Local lore maintains that the water from the well has healing qualities, particularly known for curing warts. Mick McKenna, who lives near the site, expressed pride in its new protected status, emphasizing its significance for the community.

The sites historical importance extends to cultural traditions. Former festivals such as Heather Sunday, held every July, combined local games, food, music, and dance. Scholars believe these events originally had pagan roots before being absorbed into Christian practice.

St Patrick's Primary School pupils continue to visit the chair and well annually. Principal Gemma Quinn said the visits include storytelling about the site's pagan and Christian heritage, followed by children sitting on the stone chair to make wishesa tradition she remembers from her own childhood.

St Patrick's Chair and Well is among several sites in Northern Ireland recently granted Scheduled Historic Monument status. This designation acknowledges locations with significant human interaction spanning the last 10,000 years. Northern Ireland has over 2,000 such monuments, including prehistoric structures, forts, churches, castles, maritime sites, and industrial and military heritage.

Other locations recently added to the protected list include the Lisahally docks in Londonderry, where German U-boats surrendered in 1945, a battle garden at Kilwarlin Moravian Church near Hillsborough, and several granite milestones along the old Enniskillen to Dublin coach road.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the new listings, noting, "The sites protected this week reflect the diversity and richness of Northern Irelands heritage."

Author: Caleb Jennings