It is located in the Balcunnin townland of County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located in a “picturesque setting on the banks of a small river overhung by a […] tree,” (Branigan 2012:16). Branigan states that the well is “at the rear of a corner property on the Skerries/Loughshinny road.” There is a “narrow muddy pathway” leading to Lady’s Well (Branigan 2012:16).
4 Cure
Lady’s Well is said to provide a cure for “disorders of the throat,” (Branigan 2012:16).
5 Pattern day
According to Branigan, “a pattern was held on 1 May.”
6 Offerings
In the past, there was a rag tree near the well, but Branigan states that it is “unlikely to be the same tree that presently grows.”
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin. 2012> Dublin: History Press.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan notes that “St Mary’s Well is located within the grounds of the late medieval graveyard of Balscadden … and of Tobertown, adjacent to Balscadden National School. The overall structure is teardrop shaped, and is constructed of stone and mortar with four [steps] leading down from ground level to the water, which is perfectly stagnant. There is also [a] crack up both sides of the structure. Up until recently the well frequently flooded the [area] until remedial works were carried out to pipe surplus water away…In previous years a hawthorn overhung the well and was used as a rag tree, but this is no longer present” (Branigan 2012: 58).
4 Cure
Cures eye disorders. Wash with water.
5 Pattern day
15 August.
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
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
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.