Church of the Teeth
Saint Patrick is said to have erected a church with the aid of some locals from Aughagower and it is known
as the "Church of the Teeth" or in Gaelige as "Timpeall Na Bhfiachal". It received its name because a line
of rocks were placed on the top of the church which resembled a set of teeth which was visible from a distance.
Only a small part of the sidewall of the church remains today and the church is situated about 200 yards north
relative to the Monolithic Round Tower.
Well of the Deacons
The "Well of the Deacons" or "Tobar Na nDeachaun" is said to be one of two wells at which Saint Patrick
is to have baptized the first converts to Catholicism. A religious tradition of the Stations of the Cross
was said to have started at "Leaba Phadraig" and prayers were recited as pilgrims walked from Leaba
Phadraig towards the "Tobar Na nDeachaun". The pilgrims recited the prayers seven times as they
walked around the well. The pilgrims also continued to "Saint Patrick's Bath" or "Dabhach Phádraig" as
they continued reciting the prayers.
St Patricks Bath
Also near the church is "St. Patrick's Vat" (Dabach Phadraig),
where the saint baptized the first Christians of Aughagower. There is a small medieval symbol sculptured
into the wall of "Dabhach Phádraig". It is known as a sheela-na-gig. This small sculpture which only
measures 10cm by 10cm is a medieval symbol that has primitive roots. These are still regarded by some as
part of the stations in connection with the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. These two holy wells are
now dried up due to a drainage scheme. There is a local route which pilgrims follow on their annual
pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick known as "Tochair Phadraig" and
the tradition of praying at these two wells along the route is still customary.
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