Customs & patterns
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Customs and patterns in Ballysakeery parish, from Irish Tourist Association Survey, 1943
Under the heading of customs, mention is made of the custom of straw boys visiting the house of a bride after a wedding. The practice was still in evidence in Ballysakeery and north Mayo generally at the time of the survey in 1943.
Under the heading of patterns, two wells in the Mullaghfarry area are mentioned, one of which was believed to have cures for stomach ailments. The surveyor could establish no link in local tradition between either of these wells and the baptising of King Awley and his followers by Saint Patrick. (See section on "Historic sites"). A more elaborate holy well at Rosserk is also described. Pilgrimages were still held here from august 15th to September 8th every year.
The headings for the survey are listed below. Clicking on the heading will open the relevant section in the survey.
Amenities and general information