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Information Map

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aughagower village map proof 7th OCT 2024

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The Village Aghagower or Aughagower is derived from

'Achaidh fobhair' meaning 'field of the spring".

The name appears to be a great antiquity, and may have been the importance of the springs or wells at Aughagower in pre-Christian times. This may be the reason a church was established in this location.

Aughagower lies mid-way along Tóchar Phadraig formerly a part of the royal processional route from Cruachan: the ancient capital of Connacht.

Later it became an important pilgrimage route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.

The village came to prominence in 441 when St. Patrick founded a church & bishopric with Bishop Senach placed over it. The Book of Armagh stated that bishops dwelt there during the early part of the ninth century. St. Senach was originally from Armagh, members of his household travelled with him to Aughagower & Croagh Patrick. It was recorded that St. Patrick anointed the parish's first Bishop Senach on his journey to Croagh Patrick.

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is a National Monument in state guardianship. St Patrick is thought to have founded this church in the 5th century, and appointed St. Senach as Bishop. The location is strategic, midway along an ancient routeway, which in the medieval period evolved into the Tóchar Phádraig, an important pilgrimage route between Ballintuber Abbey and Croagh Patrick. Aughagower became a principal stopping point on the route.

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Aughagower Round Tower, Aghagower, County Mayo

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3 - The Round Tower, Aghagower, County Mayo

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3 - The Round Tower, Aghagower, County Mayo

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which was most likely built in the late 11th or 12th century. The remains consist of a circular tower of coarse, roughly dressed mortared stones.

Current height 16 meters. It no longer stands to its full height and is missing its roof, which was thought to be damaged by lightning. (now situated in church grounds No.5 on map). Five rings of stone corbels protrude at evenly spaced intervals, from the internal wall face, these supported wooden floors and indicate there were at least 5 storeys above ground level. The tower was partly restored in 1969 and leans slightly to the north.

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L1814 Aghagower, Aghagower, Co. Mayo, Ireland

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St. Patrick's Church - built in 1824 under the care of

Fr. Ward at the time & aided by the Parishioners, with major renovations made in the 1950s. Also responsible for the building of The Church of Sacred Heart Cushlough in 1830

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L1814 Aghagower, Aghagower, Co. Mayo, Ireland

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According to legend, the Round Tower's roof was struck by lightning and landed half a mile away on the hill of Teevinish. A local woman is said to have carried the capstone in her apron to the church, where it still remains today.

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Also known as 'Cloch Andra', this large stone of 188kg in weight is situated in the picnic area. According to local folklore, there once was a giant in Aughagower who used to throw the stone over his shoulder and apparently could throw it as far as a man would throw a pebble!

The stone still shows the fingerprints of the giant.

Many a strongman in the past has, and to this day, still tries to lift the stone.

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Joseph Gale Oldest Man in Aughagower Graveyard Age 136 years

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Dabhach Phádraig - (Patricks vat or bath) is a circular bath surrounded by a stone wall, where pilgrims may have washed their feet as part of a ritual or station.

Now dried up due to a local drainage scheme (which holds Sheela na gig on inner east wall).

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Is a medieval stone carving of a naked female figure which is a pagan symbol of fertility.

Sheela na gig was found in Aughagower but it's original location is unknown.

Originally situated in the outside wall of Dabhach Phádraig it was removed later for security reasons and to make it easier to find.

This is now situated on the inner eastern wall.

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10 - Tobair na Deochain Well of the Deacons) 

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10 - Tobair na Deochain Well of the Deacons) 

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The Well of the Deacons was thought to be where prigrims drank water while performing the pilgrimage.

It now consists of a sunken square, defined by mortared stone walls.

Like Dabhach Phadraig, 'it no longer contains water'

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is a small stone in the graveyard near the Round Tower, with a small indent carved into it.

Local legend states St. Patrick knelt on this rock & when it fills with water, it is thought to be Holy Water

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1, Aghagower, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 W299, Ireland

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L1818 Aghagower, Aghagower, Co. Mayo, Ireland

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Located just west of the Round Tower inside Aughagower’s old graveyard, St. Patrick’s Bed is said to be where the saint rested before journeying to Croagh Patrick.

Pilgrims once performed stations here - circling the Bed and the nearby Well of the Deacons (Tobair na nDeachán) seven times while reciting prayers.

Beneath the great ash tree lies the Bed itself. The surrounding soil and decaying wood are still believed to hold healing powers, though tradition says any soil taken must later be returned.

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23 - Monument to the Parish's Unmarked Graves

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23 - Monument to the Parish's Unmarked Graves

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24 - Cillíns of Aughagower (Children's Unmarked Graves Monument)

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24 - Cillíns of Aughagower (Children's Unmarked Graves Monument)

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Cillíns (or Kileens) were small, secluded burial grounds for unbaptised or stillborn children, as well as others excluded from consecrated cemeteries. Usually enclosed by low walls and marked by simple, uninscribed stones, they are found across Aughagower parish.

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28 - Whispers from Heaven (Telephone Box)

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28 - Whispers from Heaven (Telephone Box)