St Dympna's Well, Kildalkey, Meath. Photograph by Joan Mullen, http://www.meathfieldnames.com/index.php/discoveries-of-note/14-archaeological-features.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
St Dympna's Well is easily identifiable within a field beside the grounds of an old church by its meter-high stone wall that encircles the well (French, 2012:71). A metal gate marks the entryway to the well, beside which a sign reads the name of the patron saint (see Mullen photograph).
4 Cure
According to folk tradition people pilgrims may dip cloth into the well then tie around their head to alleviate headache pain. Toothaches may also be helped by simply drinking the water. People believe that the mere presence of the well in Kildalkey helps ward off illness (French, 2012:70).
5 Pattern day
St Dympna is commemorated on May 15th, the feast day, and is when pilgrims visit to receive cures. In the 1860s and 1880s the well was thought to have dried up, yielding a case of the associated pattern day. Through the nineteen hundreds the well was neglected until 1999 when a local retirement association re-opened and revitalized the site (French, 2012:70).
8 Stories
Folklore states that the well appeared after St Dympna cried with such vigor following runaway from her father, a pagan, that a well appeared at her feet. She is regarded as the "patroness of the nervous, emotionally disturbed and the mentally ill" and can be seen in stained glass depictions in churches throughout Ireland (French, 2012:71).
9 Publications
http://www.meathfieldnames.com/index.php/discoveries-of-note/14-archaeological-features; Thunder, John M. 1886. The Holy Wells of Meath. The Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland, Fourth Series, 7:68, pp. 657; French, Noel. 2012. Meath Holy Wells. pp. 69-71.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
In a pasture with stone enclosing structure topped with a decorative smithed sign of the site's name with metal shamrocks, a "Celtic cross" and a St Brigid's cross. Behind the well is a stone altar for outdoor masses and a stone surround with a niche for the saint's statue.
4 Cure
All sicknesses, particularly nervous disorders and peace of mind for those who have endured abuse and incest.
5 Pattern day
15 May
7 Prayer rounds and stations
One version of the many prayers to St Dymphna:
O God, we humbly beseech you through your servant Saint Dymphna, who sealed with her blood the love she bore you, to grant relief to those who suffer from mental afflictions and nervous disorders, especially (mention the afflicted person). Saint Dymphna, helper of the mentally afflicted, pray for us. Saint Dymphna, comforter of the despondent, pray for us. Saint Dymphna, renowned for many miracles, please pray for us. Follow with one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.
Intentions brought to St Dymphna's well were formerly brought for nine days in a row in a novena.