3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
There are two wells an inner and an outer which is fed by the inner. The outer well was used in the past as standard drinking water while the inner had special properties associated with fertility, it is said the water from the inner well cannot boil regardless of the heat put into it.
4 Cure
Said to aid with pregnancy. The well is associated with fertility, in times gone by the orbs on the top of the well, the “serpents eggs” were brought home by those wishing to get pregnant as they aided in fertility. There used to be 13 eggs. There are now just 3 eggs left and have been cemented to the top of the well. Even now, the wells water is said to help with pregnancy and offerings are left by those who wish to experience that.
5 Pattern day
12th of August
6 Offerings
Pregnancy tests, rosary beads, pictures
8 Stories
The saint is said to have slayed a serpent here; she is said to have done this at multiple locations.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Right off the road, you must climb over a few cattle fences to find this walled compound containing 2 wells and an altar.
4 Cure
There is a small house/altar for "sick persons."
5 Pattern day
Garland Sunday at the end of July is the feast day
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The penitent descends stone steps performing their stations in other parts of the well, and they are supposed to do it barefooted.
8 Stories
There are smooth stones resembling eggs that go back to an ancient fertility cult. The reason people go barefoot is because of an old story where a woman stole another woman's shoes, but was unable to get away with it by divine intervention.
9 Publications
"The Parish of Kilkeedy: a local history compiled by Frank Brew" 1998, Published by Frank Brew, Castlequarter, Tubber, County Clare, ISBN 0 9534788 0 7
10 More
One well flows into another, but it usually goes dry in the summer.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is near the coast in a boggy field with an abandoned house nearby at the end of a very rough road near a very old cemetery.
6 Offerings
Coins, crosses, laminated prayers, rosary, Madonna & child statuettes,and white quartz rocks
8 Stories
Legend has it that in the 5th century, St. Brendan, the navigator sailed to the island from Dingle Bay. He climbed up a steep cliff at Culoo Rock and anointed 2 dying pagans at this spring. Pilgrims sometimes leave shoes. St. Brendan is said to have discovered North America before Columbus. He is the patron saint of sailors, travelers, and adventurers. There have been many freak accidents at the Culoo cliffs.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Devotional Statue of the Virgin Mary housed in a small purpose built whitewashed enclosure. To the left of and beside the Well is a single Bullaun Stone on which a single shallow elongated channel runs for much of the length of the stone.
6 Offerings
None seen.
10 More
Now located on private land. Permission should be sought if access is required.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is a clear spring surrounded by a stone wall. A statue of St. Brigid stands over the well and a small tree carrying many rags is beside it.
4 Cure
Said to be effective in curing eye diseases. One must wash their eyes with the water from the well and pray at the well.
5 Pattern day
1st of February
Pilgrims would circumnavigate the well nine times, dropping a small stone after each rotation. After finishing the rounds they kneel on top of the well and say their prayers.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The Well is along the Togher, to the right of Lemanaghan Church. There is a small stone wall surrounding the well, a large bullaun stone, and multiple trees, some of which have clooties tied to them. The well itself is a hole in the ground with stone steps leading toward the base. After the well's renovation in the 1930s 4 upright headstones were discovered, and they are now housed in the visitor center. The most prominent tree is a misshapen ash, with multiple clooties and rags tied to it and even some rosaries.
4 Cure
It is said to cure nearly every ailment but is especially effective against neuralgia, cancer, and warts. To receive the healing powers of the well one must apply the water to the afflicted part of their body and then walk around the well three times, often leaving a votive as thanks afterwards.
5 Pattern day
January 24th
6 Offerings
The bottom of the well is littered with coins and on the ash tree nearby, people leave all sorts of objects from rosaries and rags to stuffed animals and pictures of themselves or loved ones.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The sick come on St. Manchans feast day to make their rounds.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well is in the middle of a gravel patch of land that fades into the surrounding field. There is also a tree, a stone cross-slab, and a stone crucifix on opposite sides of the well. The well itself is a stone-lined hole, with steps leading down to it. Now the entire area is surrounded by gates and immediately surrounding the well is a wooden barrier and ramp.
4 Cure
In the Schools Collection of Folklore, there is a story of the well water being used to bring back an old woman's strength. (SFC 0811, 133)
Another example from the Schools Collection of Folklore describes the well's water being used to cure a stomach ache. (SFC 0811, 136)
5 Pattern day
September 9th
7 Prayer rounds and stations
This well was part of a larger pilgrimage, referred to as the 'Long Station.' Traditionally done barefoot, this well was the first stop on the long station where practitioners would make their rounds. After circumnavigating the well, pilgrims would stop at the crucifix to pray and kiss Christ's head. They would then pray at one of the headstones, only one of which still exists. Following the first stop of the long station pilgrims would then make their way to the Nuns Church for the second stop, and finally at St. Fingins well in Kinnity for the last stop.
8 Stories
An entry into the Schools Collection of Folklore from Mrs. Bridget Daly tells of the time an old woman used the well water to cure an illness as directed from a numinous being.
Once upon a time there was an old woman who lived in Moystown. One day she felt very sick and the Doctor and priest came to her and said there was no hopes of recovery.
One night about twelve o'clock the room was lit up, and a beautiful lady appeared to her, and all dressed in white and spoke to this poor old woman and asked here did she ever hear tell of St Ciaran's holy well and she said she often heard tell of it, but she said she never saw it.
This beautiful lady told her then to go get a bottle of it, and take a spoonful every morning for nine mornings. Then the lady disappeared and the old woman sent for a bottle of St Ciaran's water and she done what the lady told her. Every morning she felt stronger after taking the holy water, and on the ninth day she was able to get up and do here usual work in the house. she lived to be a great age after that and went to see St Ciaran's well always after that. (SFC 0811, 133)
9 Publications
Schools' Collection of folklore. Vol 0811, pages 132-136
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is actually a Bullaun stone underneath a tree with many clooties tied to it.
4 Cure
This well is said to be a cure for warts, the afflicted person would dip a rag in the well water and then wash their skin with it. They then tie the rag (clootie) to the tree and as the rag decays, so too does their wart.
Poulnalour, Killinaboy, Co. Clare, Ireland. Inside the Burren National Park
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is part of a 6km loop trail through the forest and national park.
4 Cure
The waters have the reputation for helping with diabetes if you drink the water in the presence of the well three times a day for two weeks or for six days in a row, depending on the source.
6 Offerings
Some people place a coin on the rock of the holy well. Visitors can tie a cloth to the tree that is above the well. Rubbing a red cloth against the part of your body that needs healing and tying it to the tree will heal you. Visitors can leave memorial cards for loved ones who have passed away.
8 Stories
The landowner provides hazelwood walking sticks for those who want to walk the loop. He also keeps his cattle away from the water so it is safe to drink.
9 Publications
Kirby, Tony. Burren & Aran Islands - a Walking Guide. Co. Cork, Ireland: The Collins Press, 2014.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well itself is a semi-circular stone structure, surrounded by hedgery. In front of the well is a stone-paved area. Three large stones lay atop the well with carved crosses. Votive offerings sit beside the well. The well is right next to the old church, which still maintains its structure.
4 Cure
Unknown
5 Pattern day
N/A
6 Offerings
Rosary beads, candles, paintings, lithographs, and prints.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
N/A
8 Stories
N/A
9 Publications
Jim, St Brigid’s Holy Well, Raffony, Cavan. http://www.megalithicireland.com/St%20Brigid%27s%20Holy%20Well,%20Raffony,%20Cavan.html.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well is in the form of a tree with the water seeping around the roots possibly being the remnants of the well. There are large stones around the tree with one of them possibly having a cross carved into it.
4 Cure
This holy well can help cure eye ailments.
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. “Gazetteer.” Holy Wells of Cork & Kerry, 29 Mar. 2022, https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/gazetteer/.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
There is a small structure with a plaster statue of St. Kieran
5 Pattern day
5th of March
6 Offerings
Ceramic mugs, a woven grass emblem of a cross, ceramic tiles, stones, flowers, Euro coins, rosary beads, keys, holy medals, clump of grey human hair. All votives were deposited on top of a stone structure that covers the well
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Directions on a sign:
1. Lie on St. Kieran’s bed and make a wish
2. At the Altar, say 5 Our Father’s, 5 Hail Mary’s, and the Creed
3. Follow the Black arrow (clockwise), say 15 decades of the rosary going around 3 times and ending at the altar again
4.Follow the red arrow going around each of the 3 stone mounds 3 times and say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Gloria at each mound. After last mound go to St Kieran’s Bed and lie on it and wish
5. End at St. Kieran’s well by saying: 5 Our Fathers, 5 Hail Mary’s and the Creed
6. There is a Tobar Uisce gan iarraidh or water in a hollow stone close by
8 Stories
There is a small circular plot surrounded by a low fence locally called “the graveyard”, which was the spot of St. Ciaran’s church. The place where the stations begin is locally known as “the altar”. The well is associated with the burial grounds to the west
9 Publications
Ó Muirgheasa, Énrí. “The Holy Wells of Donegal.” Béaloideas 6, no. 2 (1936): 143–62.
Cronin, John and Associates. 2012. Survey of the Heritage of Holy Wells in County Donegal. Donegal County Council.
In 2017, many of the clootie rags were removed from the site at Dungiven Priory. The Belfast Telegraph wrote a brief article sharing the story of a teacher who came to visit the well and was horrified when he saw that all the rags had been removed. They are not sure who removed the rags. This article was published January 6th, 2017. (You can find this information on the first page of the article)
Well is dedicated to Saint Patrick and St.Colman Macaide.
2 Townland, County, GPS
Townland: Cookstown
Country: Tyrone
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is actually said to have been inside of a beech tree planted in the 6th century which is near a sacred cross said to have been brought to the area by St. Patrick. This tree, unfortunately died due to metal coins pushed into its bark. The well/tree was near the banks of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.
4 Cure
This holy well cure was known to be for warts. The rainwater would be taken from the holy tree and used for people who had warts.
5 Pattern day
unknown
6 Offerings
Metal, pins, coins, nails and other personal offerings used to be left at the tree.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Although the pattern day is unknown, it is said that pilgrims who visited performed rounds. They would circle the cross three times on their knees and leave silver.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
From an account collected by William Canning in 1939: "There is a cement path, with steps, leading down to the well with a wall three and a half feet high on each side of the path. Along the bottom of the wall small palm trees and beautiful flowers are sown."
The modern appearance of the well appears largely unchanged, and it remains well-maintained, the walls are white-washed with bright blue accents, with gold lettering above the well dedicating it to "Our Queen, Our Mother".
4 Cure
From Canning's record in 1939: "sores and other diseases" were believed to be cured at this well.
5 Pattern day
The Patron's Day is 15 August, the feast day dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, Mr. Dempsey writes in his account that celebrations were held here on 8 September, a feast day dedicated to St. Mary's birth.
8 Stories
From Canning's 1939 record, we're told that the well was maintained by an older woman who lived in Tullow at that time. It is unclear who may be maintaining the well currently.
9 Publications
For a historical account, please see Irish National Folklore Collection, School's Collection, Volume 0908 PP 117-118, here: https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5044683/5031694
For a modern source, please see Jim Dempsey's work here: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Tullowphelim%20Holy%20Well,%20Carlow.html
10 More
Canning's historical account names the well as being near Ballmurphy road, which is now connected to the modern Barrack Street in Tullow. The exact coordinates of the well cannot be found at this time.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well opening is rectangular and generally covered with a flat slab. It is surrounded by gravel, and the area enclosed with fencing.
5 Pattern day
St. Patrick's Day (17 March)
9 Publications
For a history of the well in the 20th century: https://www.ouririshheritage.org/content/archive/place/miscellaneous-place/st-patricks-well-9
For historical mention of the well: http://trails.carlowtourism.com/st-patrick%E2%80%99s-catholic-church-rathvilly.html
For more historical accounts, see Irish National Folklore Commission, School's Collection 0909:550 & and 0910: 2, 86-7
10 More
The well is currently located on private land and should not be visited without the permission of the landowner.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is nearby to the "White Church" ruins in Killoughternane, and features a few steps down to the well as well as a prominent cross at the back of the well.
9 Publications
NFC SC 0903:623 & 0904:471 & 0905:44
For an accounting of the nearby White Church, please see: http://trails.carlowtourism.com/30.html
For a recent view of the well, in addition to some history, please see: http://www.megalithicireland.com/St%20Fortchern's%20Holy%20Well.html
St. Laserian's Well (known by hypocoristic St. Molaise's Well)
Description of Well Item Type Metadata
1 Name of well and saint
St. Laserian's Well, or Molaise Well
2 Townland, County, GPS
Kellistown, Co. Carlow
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the site of Saint Laserian's cathedral, and set in a small area with concrete steps around the well, which also features a prominent cross
4 Cure
Accounts found in the Irish National Folklore Collection (NFC SC 0907:30-31) tell us that the well was used to cure rheumatism and sore eyes.
5 Pattern day
18th April, on St. Laserian's feast day
6 Offerings
Historical accounts (NFC SC 0907:34-6) say that coins, crucifixes, handkerchiefs, and pieces of cloth were regular offerings.
9 Publications
For historical information on the nearby church, please see: http://trails.carlowtourism.com/12.html
For a modern accounting of the well and its status, please see: https://irelandsholywells.blogspot.com/2011/09/saint-laserians-well-old-leighlin.html
Duchas NFC SC contains accounts circa 1930's, in 0907: 30-31 & 34-36, as well as 0908:50
10 More
Recent accounts are that the well is now dry, but people still visit to pray there.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the Old Chapel and Graveyard, which is accessible from the road. A church and large historic graveyard are still present. The well can be found just past the church.
8 Stories
As recorded and present in the NFC archive, James Byrne recounted in 1930 the following story about the well:
"Years an'years ago there was a monastery in Clonmore and there was a whole lot of monks and priests and saints in it. But in the time of the Danes the monastery was destroyed by them. All the saints was killed and all the holy vessels was taken by the robbers, and the last time they came there a big stone as blew up out of the monastery and it made three jumps. The first place that it jumped to was a bit below the monastery and where it lighted a spring of water sprang up and it cured thousands of people of their [diseases]- an it would cure em still if they only went there instead of to the potashery. The second jump it made of lighted at the robbers castle above... and soon as it did every wan of them was ate alive with flays and they were all so tormented that had to leave their castle. The third jump it made was to where it is now. At that time all the land around there was poor and wet but when it lighted there it said:-
"Here I will stay till the destruction of the world and I vow that his farm will turn into fertile land, the most fertile in the parish of Clonmore and no one will interfere with me, and no grass will grow over me and I will be here till the end of time".
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5044686/5031943
9 Publications
For directions to the church site for visitors: https://www.carlowadvisor.com/clonmore-carlow.html
For photos of the site, please see: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Clonmore%20Monastic%20Site.html
Duchas NFC SC 0909: 110-111 & 550 provide historical accounts of the well's presence.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located nearby to St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church
9 Publications
Historical accounts of the well occur in Duchas, NFC SC 0911: pp 80-81 & 90
For mention of it's restoration, see http://www.clonegalkildavin.ie/pages2/clonegal_rc.htm
10 More
The well was restored for Jubilee 2000, and is still located near the modern St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church
Historically: Clonagoose, County Carlow (now near Borris, Co. Carlow)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the site of Clonagoose Church and Graveyard, which is approximately one mile from Borris, Co. Carlow.
5 Pattern day
Reports from Duchas School's Collection (1933) report the last Sunday in June as the well's pattern day.
6 Offerings
Bandages and Money were historically left at the well as offerings.
9 Publications
Duchas School's Collection Volume 0904 pages, 471, 538, 594, and 596-7 contain various historical accounts of the well
Additionally, for information regarding the church, see: John Ryan's 1833 "The History And Antiquities Of The County Of Carlow"
10 More
For location information, as well as photos of the graveyard near the well's location, please see Clonagoose Cemetery on Find a Grave, here: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2643142/clonagoose-cemetery
Historically: Clonagoose, County Carlow (now near Borris, Co. Carlow)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the site of Clonagoose Church and Graveyard, which is approximately one mile from Borris, Co. Carlow.
5 Pattern day
Reports from Duchas School's Collection (1933) report the last Sunday in June as the well's pattern day.
6 Offerings
Bandages and Money were historically left at the well as offerings.
9 Publications
Duchas School's Collection Volume 0904 pages, 471, 538, 594, and 596-7 contain various historical accounts of the well
Additionally, for information regarding the church, see: John Ryan's 1833 "The History And Antiquities Of The County Of Carlow"
10 More
For location information, as well as photos of the graveyard near the well's location, please see Clonagoose Cemetery on Find a Grave, here: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2643142/clonagoose-cemetery