Scattery Island: St. Senan's Bed | Clare
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The entrance
to the small oratory known as St. Senan's bed is blocked by a metal bar across
the doorway at waist level, probably as a reminder that it is considered unlucky
for unmarried women to enter this building. Local folklore says they will never
marry, or will become infertile, if they do so. It is here that St. Senan is
reputedly buried.
Stones from St. Senan's bed were regarded as relics and a protection against
disease and especially drowning. It was the custom at Scattery for each boat
to bring on board a pebble from St. Senan's grave, or even from the beach. The
stones were sometimes drilled, made into necklace charms and worn. The custom
also prevailed of sailing a new boat round the island in a course opposite to
the sun.