Saint Cooey’s Wells at Temple Cooey

Published by P&P on 25 June 202525 June 2025

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Location of Saint Cooey’s Wells

About two miles south-east of the pretty little town of Portaferry are the holy wells of St Cooey. This site at Tara Bay in the shadow of Tieveshilly Hill has been a place of pilgrimage and veneration since early medieval times.

The spot is believed to be the location of a 7^th century church in honour of native St Cooey. Only the foundation stones remain. The church measured 54ft by 24ft and was known as Temple Cooey. Some ancient Christian headstones have also been found among the ruins.

St Cooey

There is very little factual written evidence about St Cooey, though many local natural features have been named after him, for example Lough Cowey. He was born in the nearby townland of Knockinelder and named Cu’Mhaighe but was known as “Cooey” – a shortened version of his name. The anglicized version is Quintan found in nearby Quintan’s Bay, Quintan’s castle and Ballyquintan.

Cooey was well known for his piety and was said to have performed numerous miracles. Having studied and been ordained in the priesthood, he was designated the abbot of the prestigious learning establishment Movilla Abbey of Ards (see link to post “Movilla Abbey: International Fame and a Copyright Case). However, Cooey was to die in in 731 before being officially inaugerated.

Temple Cooey

Due to its coastal location, Temple Cooey Church fell victim to Viking raids. Like many Christian establishments it was attacked and plundered in the search for riches.

It is recorded that the church was rebuilt in the 12^th century and remained the parish church of Witter in the barony of Ards Upper. According to ecclesiastical historian William Reeves the name “Witter” is an abbreviation of Grange-oughter from the Irish meaning ‘upper part’.

Although in ruins Templecooey served as a place of worship during the Penal Era. At this time, among many rules forbidding Catholics to own land, receive an education or to vote, Catholics were also banned by law from practising their religion and attending Mass. Regardless of the laws, masses were celebrated, at great peril to both priest and congregation, in hidden places like this.

St Cooey’s Wells

Near the church ruins are three wells, dedicated to St Cooey and reputed to have healing powers.

The first is named Washing and is where hands were cleansed.

The second, Eyes, is believed to have the power to cure eye infections and sight problems.

The third is Drinking, where the faithful could swallow the holy water. Folklore claims that the spring water here always remains cold and cannot be heated even when boiled.

Drink well at Temple Cooey — “Drink” at St Cooeys Wells

The Ragged Tree

Evidence of the powerful feelings invoked by this medieval sacred site can be seen by the ‘rags’ attached to a nearby tree. Traditionally a piece of cloth was tied to a branch when a saint’s intercession was requested for a particular petition or as a symbol of thanksgiving (see link to post “St Olcan – Every Tatter tells a Story”)

The Penitential Stone

A nearby path leads through the reed beds (sturdy footwear required as the path is uneven and slippery) to the shore where a large stone can be found. This is known as the Penitential Stone. The indents on the stone’s surface are said to be the imprints of St Cooey’s hands and knees as he knelt on the stone to pray for absolution.

St Cooey’s Wells Today

In the 1970’s thanks to the efforts of the parish priest Fr David Morgan, farmer John Johnston and many local parishioners, this holy place was restored and remains today a place of pilgrimage, peace and spirituality.

Working at St Cooey's Wells — Working at St Cooey’s Wells

Annual Pilgrimage Each June

From at least the 13^th century St Cooey’s Wells were an important pilgrimage site. Throughout the centuries thousands came to this secluded glen to offer their prayers and thanksgivings.

To this day, an annual pilgrimage takes place on the Sunday closest to the feast day of St Peter and St Paul, 29^th June.

Movilla Abbey: International Fame & a Copyright Case

Movilla from the Road - Northern Whig 14th January 1928 — Movilla Abbey’s ruins offer no clues to the fame and importance once attached to this ancient site and its role in the world’s first copyright dispute

The Holy Well of Saint Olcan – Every Tatter Tells a Story

Pathway to Saint Olcan's Well — The story of Saint Olcan and his Holy Well – for centuries a source of hope to pilgrims and those suffering. Every rag holds someone’s pain

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