St Patrick's Chair and Well

Overview

St Patrick’s Chair and Well sits quietly in Altadaven Glen, just outside Augher in County Tyrone. The site is defined by a massive two-metre sandstone block that has been naturally eroded and possibly hand-carved into a throne-like seat. Directly beneath it rests a bullaun well – a shallow, bowl-shaped depression in the rock that traditionally collects rainwater. Surrounded by native woodland, mossy stone and a pair of rag-trees, the location offers a straightforward, free-access stop for walkers and those drawn to Ireland’s layered spiritual history.

Name, Landscape and History

The glen’s name comes from the Irish Alt an Dáibhín, meaning “the Demons’ Cliff”. Local folklore credits St Patrick with driving demons from the cliff edge into the valley below, a tale that has coloured the area’s reputation for centuries. Historically, the land formed part of the Favour Royal Demesne, granted by King James I in 1611. In the early 2000s, the surrounding woodland was restored under the People’s Millennium Forest scheme, bringing native species back to the slopes.

The stone chair itself has been documented since the late 19th century. An 1898 account by a local Catholic priest describes it as a “gigantic high-backed seat” carved from a single boulder. The adjacent bullaun well, roughly 25 cm deep, is traditionally believed to help with skin ailments and warts. Nearby rocks feature prehistoric cup-marks, suggesting the site held significance long before Christian arrivals. In 2024, the monument was officially granted Scheduled Historic Monument status, ensuring legal protection for the chair, well and surrounding archaeological features.

Legends and Folklore

The spiritual history of Altadaven Glen blends druidic, pagan and early Christian traditions. Some accounts suggest the location served as a druidic ritual space before being adapted by early missionaries in the 5th century. The two rag-trees standing near the well continue to bear cloth strips and small tokens, a practice echoing ancient Lughnasa harvest customs where visitors tied offerings to trees for healing or good fortune.

Locals historically marked the last Sunday in July as Blaeberry Sunday, gathering bilberries from the glen as part of seasonal harvest traditions. The area is also referenced in early Christian dedications to St Brigid, reflecting the common pattern of pre-Christian sites being reinterpreted as Christianity spread across Ireland. For those interested in deeper storytelling, the Voices from the Dawn website hosts a virtual reality tour that digitally reconstructs the chair, well and surrounding landscape.

Walking Routes and Access

The site sits directly on the Ulster Way long-distance footpath, making it a natural break point for hikers traversing the province. A popular 12.4 km loop starts in Aughnacloy, crosses the River Blackwater, passes through the Favour Royal Forest gate and finishes at the small roadside car park on Altadaven Road. The route involves moderate climbing, with a final steep rise of roughly 30 metres to reach the chair.

Getting there

• By car: From the A5 near Augher, follow the C653 to the Altadaven turn-off. A small lay-by provides limited parking. Park carefully and never block farm gates or field entrances.
• On foot: The nearest public transport stop is on Moor Street, Aughnacloy. From there, the full loop can be walked following the Ulster Way markers.
• Navigation: Signage in the glen is minimal. Use the coordinates 54.391428 N, –7.080857 W or save the location on your phone before heading out.

What to See & Do

• The Stone Chair: The flat sandstone seat is wide enough for a visitor to sit comfortably. Tradition suggests making a silent wish while seated, then keeping quiet until you pass the nearby stile.
• The Holy Well: The bullaun collects rainwater that locals say never fully dries out. The water is not safe for drinking, but visitors often leave small coins or cloth strips as a mark of respect.
• Stations of the Cross: A short, lined path with wooden benches runs from the chair down to the well. The stations offer a structured route for quiet reflection or a brief rest.
• Rag Trees: Two native trees near the well are draped with fabric tokens left by previous visitors. You can add your own offering if you follow the custom.
• Scenic Views: The glen opens onto the rolling foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, providing clear sightlines on dry days and a steady backdrop for photography.

Practical Information

The land remains privately owned, so visitors should close any gates they open, stick to the established track and avoid disturbing the woodland floor. Offerings at the well should be kept modest and placed respectfully on the rag-trees rather than thrown into the depression. For the clearest access and best light, aim for a mid-morning visit on a dry day, and keep a small coin or cloth strip in your pocket if you wish to leave a traditional offering at the well.