St feichin

Saint Feichin, a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, operated and had his ministry in 7th century Ireland.

Feichin's life is surrounded by folklore and mythology, yet the facts of his life demonstrate that he was a profoundly important figure in the spreading of the Irish monastic tradition. Operating in western Ireland, Feichin established oratories and monastic settlements throughout Mayo and Galway and further along the western seaboard of Ireland.

Born into the great age of celtic christianity, Feichin's life is depicted in stories and legends shrowded in the period's pagan mythology. Stories abound of Feichin's supernatural powers and healing abilities, with holy wells being dedicated to him throughout the west of the country.

Although often claimed to be native to manifold regions of Ireland, Feichin had his origins and base in Connemara, a region of county Galway.

On Omey Island in Connemara there are the remains of a monastic community bearing Feichin's name. The holy well bearing his name still stands and remains to this day a pilgrimage site for those seeking a physical cure for all manner of ailments.

The details of Feichin's life are by no means clear, yet the extent of the remains of buildings and villages etc which carry his name bear witness to the immense activity of this early Irish saint.