3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Toberahulla is located directly under a large tree. Several wooden altars have been placed on this tree in order to hold crucifixes and figures of individual saints. A mountain stream runs next to the road near the field before flowing into the well. The waters then combine and flow into the nearby Blackwater river. There are two stone steps leading into the well for pilgrims to access the well water.
4 Cure
One of the first alleged cures occurred when a man from Castlelyons in County Cork visited the well on the eve of the feast day in order to cure his deformed feet. The man stayed at the well all night, and found himself able to walk freely the following day. The well is said to cure a variety of physical ailments, including deformities and eye injuries.
5 Pattern day
The pattern day is celebrated on September 29th. Many pilgrims from several counties used to visit the site, but attendance was discouraged from the years 1838 to 1866 by Fr. Fogarty of Lismore following several brawls between rivaling communities. A revival occurred during the 20th century, and it became common for vendors to sell sweets during the pattern day. The celebration would be supplemented with alcohol and dancing, but now only local people celebrate the pattern day.
6 Offerings
Votives of beads, medals, and crucifixes were hung on the large tree next to the well.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Celebrations would begin 9 days before the pattern day in order for pilgrims to prepare for their rounds. Pilgrims would pray and then walk through the nearby stream, wash their hands and face, then dance at the nearby crossroad until midnight. Individuals with severe diseases would stay at the well all night in hopes of amplifying the effect of their cure.
8 Stories
According to legend, fighting between pilgrims on one pattern day was so intense that the nearby stream ran red with blood. From that moment on, some pilgrim refer to the well as Tobar na Fola (The Well of Blood). Another legend states that a young woman with an eye affliction washer her eyes in the water after visiting the site with her mother. The two prayed, washed again, and realized that the little girl was able to see the lights of the houses in the distance. After another round of prayer and washing, the girl's site was fully regained.
9 Publications
Eugene Broderick. 2016. Patterns and Patrons: The Holy Wells of Waterford. (p.47-48)
Schools Folklore Collection. 0640:33-35.
10 More
It is said that there is a small footprint impressed into a stone near the well that was left by St. Brigid.
This Holy Well is known colloquially as Biddy Boughy’s Well according to Gary Branigan. (Branigan 2012:17). The well is dedicated to St. Brighid.
2 Townland, County, GPS
It is located in the Balrothery townland of County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan states that it “is located in a small field beside a bungalow named Fairfiellds on the Old Coach Road...an old mud pathway from the roadway led to it but it is now overgrown and fenced off so access was limited.” (Branigan 2012:17). Additionally “the spring is enclosed within a circle of mortared stones at the base of a wall.” (Branigan 2012:17).
4 Cure
This well is said to cure disorders of the eyes.
8 Stories
According to Branigan, “legend has it that a woman named Biddy Boughy washed clothes in the a holy well in Chapel lane… and that well dried up as a result of the offence, moving to this location.” (Branigan 2012:17).
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin. 2012> Dublin: History Press.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is 100 meters east of the old parish church ruins in the townland. No other information was found.
4 Cure
It is said that one must wash their eyes and ears in the well, which may be indicative of its curative powers to eyesight and hearing.
5 Pattern day
It is observed on the feast day which is 14 September. A mass is celebrated in the church afterwards and as of the 1950s, the pattern day was still observed.
6 Offerings
No information about offerings is available at this time.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Rounds are made on the feast day, and as of the 1950s they were still being made. Pilgrims kneel at each corner and say a Hail Mary, Our Father, and "Glory as one round," for a total of five rounds made (SFC 0637:346).
8 Stories
According to the Schools Folklore Collection, “long ago feasts used to be held on this day at which vendors selling sweets and all classes of confectionery used to attend” (SFC 0637:346).
People also believed that there was a genus loci fish in this well, and if removed, the water a pilgrim had taken back to boil will not boil until the fish is returned back to its resting place.
9 Publications
Broderick, Eugene. 2016. Patterns and Patrons: The Holy Wells of Waterford.
Schools Folklore Collection. 0637:345-346.
Holy Spout, also known as Eye Spout. (Gob Bheannaithe)
2 Townland, County, GPS
Located in the Howth townland in County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan notes the location as “on the north side of Harbor Road, beside a bus stop and built into the retaining wall of St. Mary’s Abbey” (Branigan 2012:35). Additionally, “up until recent times the water flowed from two short lengths of pipe which protruded from the wall, but these pipes have been removed and the outlets cemented over resulting in the entire wall becoming damp, mossy, and constantly dripping” (Branigan 2012:35). The wall appears to be on a street, making it easy to access.
4 Cure
This well is said to cure disorders of the eyes.
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well “is located on lands belonging to Hillcrest House…opposite of the road to this house in the far north-west corner of a field…the well is a clear spring, roughly enclosed by unworked stones, at the base of a very large tree, which previously served as a rag tree. Nearby are the very ruinous remains of an old tower house and the site of a chapel” (Branigan 2012: 54).
4 Cure
Cures disorders of the eyes, toothache, and headache.
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
St Anne’s holy well is in the townland of Booleynanollagh (also referred to as Aughanass, sometimes spelled Ahanass) in the county Galway.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Located near a stream, St Anne’s holy well is sunken into the ground, with stone steps leading to the entrance to provide access. Positioned at the head of the well is a wooden shrine to St Anne which also contains a painted statue of St Anne. Near the well there is also a children’s burial ground marked by a large, white cross.
4 Cure
The well is known for curing illnesses, primarily sore eyes.
6 Offerings
The most common votive offering left at St Anne’s holy well are rages tied to nearby bushes.
9 Publications
“St Anne’s Holy Well.” Woodford Galway. http://www.woodfordgalway.com/index.php/holy-well-menu-item-2
Cunniffe, Christy. “St Anne’s Well.” Galway Community Archaeology. Last modified June 26, 2016. https://field-monuments.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/archaeology/holy-wells/st-annes-well
Photo by Christy Cunniffe
County Dublin, Brideswell Commons; 53°18’55,82”N, 6°23’43.50”W
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well sits in a large enclosure that has been very well maintained through the years. The well is located on Lilliput Lane off of Boot Road in Clondalkin. The enclosure where the well is located contains a statue of Saint Bridghid and a “rag tree”. The stone structure around the well dates back to 1761 and the raining that is currently around the well was donated by workers from a paper mill in the 1940’s.
4 Cure
Cures eye disorders, particularly around February 1st, three visits to the well are needed for the cure to be successful and it is particularly effective for young girls.
8 Stories
During road work that took place in the 1990’s the water source connected to the well was severed and it dried up for the first time, the well was then connected to main water lines.
9 Publications
Branigan, G. (2012). Ancient & holy wells of Dublin.
St Brigid’s well is located in Bohercom, Co. Galway.
GPS: 53.1999, -8.5605
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
St Brigid’s well is fenced in by a stone wall about four feet high. The stone fence can be entered through a metal gate. At the head of the well is a small painted statue of St Brigid.
4 Cure
The well is known for at least one eye cure.
6 Offerings
Ribbons are often tied to a nearby bush.
9 Publications
Galway Community Heritage Office, St Brigid’s Well, March 13, 2018. https://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/places/loughrea-heritage-trail/5-st-brigids-well
Located in Mooretown, a townland of County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan notes that “St Cronan’s Well is located at the edge of a field currently under tillage to the south-west of the ruined Glasmore Abbey in the Cianlea housing estate, north-west of Swords” (Branigan 2012:42). He also writes that “the Holy Well is accessed via a small muddy pathway from the green area at Lioscian, and by following the stream to its source. It is a large rectangular earthen enclosure covered in grass and bull rushes, and best viewed in the evening sun” (Branigan 2012:42).
4 Cure
The well cures disorders of the eyes and chicken pox.
8 Stories
"The well traditionally supplied the local Glasmore Abbey with its water, and is dedicated to St. Cronan who was the abbot there. He was killed in a Danish Raid when the abbey was destroyed in the seventh century” (Branigan 2012:42).
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Located adjacent to St. Doulagh's church near Balgriffin. The well has a 3 feet deep impoundment and is located within the only free-standing baptistery remaining in Ireland (Branigan, 2012:50-52). Branigan notes that the structure once held plaster frescoes on each of the four walls with images of St. Doulagh, St. Patrick, St. Brigid and St. Colmcille. A plaque also hung within with a Latin inscription comparing the holy well to Bethesda's sacred pool.
4 Cure
St. Catherine's Pond (enclosed with a stone impoundment and fed from the stream from St. Doulagh's well) was formerly visited to cure eye disorders.
8 Stories
Girls were baptized in the pond, while boys were baptized in the well (Branigan, 2012:50,51).
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin. Dublin: History Press.
Moss, Rachel. 2003. "St Doolagh's Church." Irish Arts Review, 20(2):122-125.
Swan, D. Leo. 1990. “ ‘St Doulagh’s’ Balgriffin.” In Excavations 1989: Summary Accounts of Archaeological Excavations in Ireland, Edited by Isabel Bennett, 18-19. Dublin: Wordwell.
St MacCullin’s Well (Tobar Mhic Chuilinn) It is also known as “St Michael’s Well and St Patrick’s Well.” (Branigan 2012:29).
2 Townland, County, GPS
This well is located in the Grallagh townland of County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan states that “St MacCuillin’s Well is located within the Grallagh Graveyard. It is situated within a tall pitched stone structure and entered via a Gothic archway, with four steps leading down to the water; a shamrock is carved into the top step.” (Branigan 2012:29).
4 Cure
It is said to cure disorders of the eyes, rheumatism, and whooping cough. A holy stone outside the graveyard gate bears what were thought to be the imprints of the saint's fingers. Pressing one's back against the holy stone is thought to cure backaches.
5 Pattern day
Patterns held on the “first Sunday in August.” (Branigan 2012:29). MacNeill noted that "a patron" was still being held on the first Sunday of August in 1934 (2008 [19662]: 640).
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin.
Dublin: History Press.
MacNeill, Máire. 2008 [1962] The Festival of Lughnasa.
Dublin: Comhair le Bhéaloideas Éireann. [Pg. 640]
St. Mary's Well (AKA Tobar Mhuire/Tober-Murry/Lady Well)
2 Townland, County, GPS
Townland of Rosserk, Co. Mayo (54.168827, -9.144540)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is situated at the confluence of the Rosserk River and the River Moy (west bank), near Rosserk Abbey. The well is situated about 500m from a small carpark situated on the right hand side of the road, before Rosserk Abbey. It is accessed via a boreen, known as 'the Rosary Path'.
4 Cure
The waters from the well are credited with curative properties, particularity for eyes.
5 Pattern day
The Patron Day was 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but pilgrims visited from that day until 8 September.
6 Offerings
Mostly rosary beads, scapulars and religious statues, as well as rags or tissue paper. Mostly attached to a hawthorn tree, which grows from the roof of the stone structure over the well, but also on other hawthorn trees in the immediate vicinity and on nearby fencing.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
There are a several numbered spots at the site.
9 Publications
1. Monsignor O'Hara (1898) "Rosserk and Moyne, Co. Mayo". Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Fifth Series, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 258-263.
2. John O'Donovan/Michael O'Flanagan (1927) 'Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the County of Mayo: collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1838'.
10 More
According to tradition, the well is situated at the site of an apparition of the Virgin Mary that took place c. 1680.
In 1798, a local landowner named John Lynott built a little stone-vaulted building over the well; an inscription reads: 'This chapel was built in honour of the Blessed Virgin in the year of Our Lord 1798, by John Lynott, of Rosserk.' Beneath this inscription is a large figure of a dove with the words 'Pax' (peace) and 'Amor' (Love). Beneath this are two other slabs with inscriptions in Latin, bearing the years 1684 and 1810.
See also: http://www.sacredlandscapes.ie/tobar-mhuire.html
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is tucked into a field boundary and has a semi-circular basin full of fresh, clean water. The concave stone wall contains a slabbed shelf that is full of offerings.
4 Cure
The water is meant to be good for sore eyes and warts.
5 Pattern day
The Feast day of St Ruadhán (his name can be spelt in many different ways) is the 15th April.
6 Offerings
There are white pebbles, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a white rag hanging above the well, and a crucifix rests on stones just below the shelf.
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 4th, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
In 1886, Thunder notes that “his well is situated within the Bishop’s Demesne at Ardbraccan” (Thunder 1886: 656). Additionally, “a drain was sunk in the boggy field in which is sprang, and thus diverted the sacred waters from the spot… which had been a place of devotion for many hundreds of years” (Thunder 1886: 656).
In 2012, French writes that “St Ultan’s Well stands just outside the churchyard wall, within the demesne of Ardbraccan House. One of the sacred trees of Ireland, the Bile Torthain,, was said to have stood over the well in pagan times” (French 2012: 60). Additionally, French notes that “the well is quite large, more than nine feet in diameter…today the well is dry” (French 2012: 61). Explosives used in zinc mining nearby have disrupted local acquifers.
4 Cure
Toothache and “eye complaints” (French 2012: 61). "To be cured of a toothache a pilgrim took a drink of the water. For a sore eye a cloth was dipped in the water and then rubbed to the eye. To cure sore feet they were washed in the water of the well” (French 2012: 61).
5 Pattern day
“Stations were held on the eve of St Ultan’s Day, 4 September, until 1850. In the 1920’s there was a revival of the pilgrimages to the well and in the 1950’s there was a regular ceremony at the well. The pattern day was the first of September each year. In the 1930’s there was a pilgrimage to St Ultan’s Well every year on the first Sunday in September and the Rosary was recited in Irish at the well” (French 2012: 61).
Well-attended annual gatherings still take place in the second decade of the twenty-first century.
8 Stories
“St Ultan succeeded St Breccan as abbot of Ardbraccan. He collected material for a biography of St Brigid, said to be his aunt. St Ultan fed, clothed, and educated 500 children orphaned by a yellow plague which carried off their parents. The Annals of Clonmacnoise placed St Ultan’s death in the year 653. The Annals of Clonmacnoise placed St Ultan’s death in the year 653. In 1210 King John visited Tiobraid Ultain on his progression through Ireland” (French 2012: 60).
9 Publications
Thunder, John M. “The Holy Wells of Meath.” The Journal of the Royal Historical and
Archaeological Association of Ireland. Oct 1886-Jan 1887, pp 655-658.
French, Noel. 2012. Meath Holy Wells. Trim: Meath Heritage Centre.
10 More
“St Ultan was the inspiration for St Ultan’s Hospital for Infants in Dublin. St Ultan’s Hospital was founded 1919 by Dr. Kathleen Lynn and Madeleine ffrench Mullen. Every year the hospital organized a pilgrimage to St Ultan’s Well. At the outset only women staffed the hospital. Dr. Lynn pioneered the use of the BCG vaccination over ten years before it came into general use in Ireland. In 1929 Dr. Lynn and St Ultan’s founded the world Irish Sweepstakes along with three other voluntary hospitals. St Ultan’a Hospital closed in 1975 due to the difficulties in obtaining dunding and it is now a private clinic. Margaret Ó hÓgartaigh wrote an article on St Ultan Hospital and its connections to Ardbraccan in the 2003 issue of Ríocht na Midhe.
The well is located in the Crowscastle townland in County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan states that the well “is located within a copse of trees at the edge of a stream beside Lakeshore Drive in Airside Business Park, Swords.” (Branigan 2012:25). The site is decorated and seems well-attended. A Buddha statue placed at the site evidences visitation by those with multiple spiritual perspectives.
4 Cure
The well is said to cure “disorders of the eyes.” (Branigan 2012:25).
5 Pattern day
Daughter of a Mercian king, this Anglo-Saxon saint died in 699 on the 3rd of February which remains her feast day. She was Abbess of Ely and her veneration came to Ireland with the Anglo-Normans. Her church in Dublin was built in 1178.
6 Offerings
There are many offerings from a variety of faiths surrounding the well.
8 Stories
The well was destroyed in the 21st century, but has been restored by locals who continue to watch over it.
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin. 2012> Dublin: History Press.
10 More
A link to a youtube video showing the well: https://youtu.be/Gdqude7t14M
Lough Atalia (also called Loch an tSáile) on the eastern edge of County Galway.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
St. Augustine’s well was restored in 2000 by the Galway Civic Trust. It sits on the edge of the lake and is hexagonal in shape with a low wall around the edges. Additionally, the well becomes inundated by tides twice a day.
4 Cure
The well is famous among pilgrims for many cures, particularly regarding ailments of the eyes and ears.
5 Pattern day
The main days for devotion at the well are the last Sunday in July or the first Sunday in August. Máire MacNeill suggests the possibility that the well may have been associated with the Lughnasa festival.
6 Offerings
There are often small offerings of coins found in the bottom of the well (see Louise Nugent blog post).
9 Publications
MacNeill, M. 2007. The festival of Lughnasa: a study of the survival of the Celtic festival of the beginning of harvest. Dublin: Folklore of Ireland Council.
Nugent, Louise. “Miracles and Violence: St Augustine’s well in the 17th century,” Pilgrimage in Medieval Ireland (blog), May 26, 2012.
https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2012/05/26/miracles-and-violence-st-augustines-well-in-the-17th-century/
O'DOWD, PEADAR. "HOLY WELLS OF GALWAY CITY." Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 60 (2008): 136-53. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20720184.
All photos by Louise Nugent
10 More
“Originally this well was one of a group of three, but the northern and southern wells no longer survive. The Galway Archaeological Inventory states all three wells were dedicated originally to St Augustine but Máire MacNeill refers to the northern and southern wells as being dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and John the Baptist” (Louise Nugent blog post).
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Beside a stream in lush vegetation. Well access via a small bridge and gate. Well is lined and roofed with stones. A vibrant orange buoy marks it. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
eyes, stomach
5 Pattern day
3rd December
6 Offerings
"Offerings dangle from the surrounding bushes – rosaries, hankies, ribbons, tinsel and a pile of rusty coins." (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/ by Amanda Clark)
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of Count Cork Volume 1: West Cork. Dublin: The Stationery Office, 1994. PDF. 26 OCT. 2018.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Today the well is capped and inaccessible. In the 18th century, the well was walled and covered by an arch of stone. Water gushed out from a slaty rock and through a round hole cut into it 2ft in diameter and 1.5ft deep. An avenue of sycamore trees led up to the well.
(Clarke 2021: https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2021/01/30/cork-city-wells-revisited/)
4 Cure
The well was said to cure sore eyes, pains in the limbs, and "etc."
(Clarke 2021: https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2021/01/30/cork-city-wells-revisited/)
5 Pattern day
St Bartholomew’s Feast Day is the 24th August
(Clarke 2021: https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2021/01/30/cork-city-wells-revisited/)
The well is located in Moord, Waterford County (near Piltown).
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is a small opening covered by a white stone superstructure. The superstructure is rectangular on the interior were pilgrims can access the well water. Another small opening is carved into the top of the superstructure, most likely intended to hold votive offerings. Several stone steps lead into the well, and the site is hidden in a field close to the boundary ditch between properties.
4 Cure
The well is meant to cure sore eyes, and it is believed that the site held value before its dedication to Saint Bartholomew.
5 Pattern day
The well's pattern day is celebrated on 24th August. Visitation was thought to have been discontinued in 1812, but was found to have been revived in 1856 when antiquarian Edward Fitzgerald noted that the pattern day was still observed by individuals with eye afflictions. Today, pilgrims continue to visit the site, but its popularity declined greatly during the 1930's.
6 Offerings
Eugene Broderick notes: Votives were once deposited on a large tree near the well. Red, green, and blue rags were torn from the clothing of pilgrims and tied around the tree's branches in order to leave the year's sickness behind, but the tree no longer exists and therefore the votives are no longer left behind.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
There are several references to pilgrims "making of rounds" in the past (specifically in the 19th century, but there was not any updated information found regarding the specific practice in the present).
8 Stories
Legend states that 3 houses were build on the grounds that used to be included in the prayer rounds. After the houses were built, the owners never experienced another day of luck. Another legend states that a woman drowned in the well after bending to drink its water.
9 Publications
Eugene Broderick 2016. Patterns and Patrons: The Holy Wells of Waterford. (p.49)
https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2013/01/06/st-bartholomews-holy-well-kinsalebeg-co-waterford/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan notes that it is believed “that the original site was closer to the church but it was diverted to this location in the eighteenth century. A broken pump stands on the site of the well, behind which is a […] alcove with two marble plaques bearing the following inscriptions:
[…] said whoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give them shall never thirst again. John 4, 14.
[…] shall lead them unto living fountains of water and God shall wipe away all the tears of their eyes. Apocalypse 7, 17”
(Branigan 2012: 70).
4 Cure
Well cures disorders of the eyes.
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Dublin. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
Located in the Rosepark (Balrothery) townland of County Dublin.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well “is situated on a very poor draining, waterlogged green area within the Rosepark housing estate in the village of Balrothery” (Branigan 2012:47). The original well was destroyed in 2003, but rebuilt partially later. “All that remains now is a closed circular steel grill which looks down into a large concrete shaft full of stagnant, stinking, and litter-strewn water; this is also poorly drained and a constant trickle of water is to be seen running down the road in the adjacent to Clock Choirnéal estate” (Branigan 2012:48).
4 Cure
The well is said to cure disorders of the eyes.
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
10 More
“The original well was a small dry-stone built well with a large rag tree of ash hanging over it.”
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located “at Johnstown House, Enfield. There was a Brigidine convent nearby in the early medieval times. The well is located in a small copse about 200 yards south of the house and not far from the Blackwater River. In the 1930s a description said it was a fine deep well containing the purest of spring water. It is partially covered over by a large flat stone. The flagstone was shattered in the 1950s when a tree fell on it. In 1969 a pump house was erected over the well and the water was used for domestic purposes” (French 2012: 29).
4 Cure
Cures sore feet and eyes.
5 Pattern day
There is a pattern to the well on St Brigid’s Day.
8 Stories
“The well provided water for the construction of the new hotel” (French 2012: 29).
“A school child in the 1930s recalled that an old resident said that she was often sent by her mother to the well for the soft white said to scour stools, chairs and other wooden furniture” (French 2012: 29).
“There is supposed to be a curse attached to the Johnstown House, namely that the owner never lives to see his eldest son come of age” (French 2012: 29-30).
9 Publications
French, Noel. 2012. Meath Holy Wells. Trim: Meath Heritage Centre.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Branigan records that the well “is located on Lilliput Lane, just off Boot Road in Clondalkin. It is situated in a large enclosure that is maintained in a very good order and includes a statue of the saint and highly festooned rag tree of ash…The stone structure around it dates from 1761, and the railings were donated by workers from the Clondalkin Paper Mills in 1940” (Branigan 2012: 84).
4 Cure
Cures disorders of the eyes.
5 Pattern day
1 February. Branigan notes that “three visits are required for it to be successful. The cure is particularly effective for young girls” (Branigan 2012: 84).
8 Stories
“It is believed that St Brighid baptised local Pagans at this well in the fifth century” (Branigan 2012: 84).
“It is traditionally believed that there is a cillín at this site, either in the raised grassy area behind the well chamber or on the green space to the immediate north-west” (Branigan 2012: 85).
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
10 More
“Unfortunately, during road-widening operations in the 1990s, the source of the well was severed and it dried up for the first time. It was then connected to the mains water supply and it is this that flows at the site” (Branigan 2012: 85).
St Brigid’s Well, Eye Well. Positioned somewhere where Southwell Road is in Bangor, Co Down. Stream ran past Bangor Abbey and along where Southwell Road before going into the sea.
Holy Well in Donaghadee was situated behind the Catholic Church in High Street. It was known locally as Kaddy’s or Keedy’s Well The church was built in the 1845 but bombed on 26 August 1972. It lay a ruin until sold and demolished in 2007. Youth for Christ Charity shop now there and well was covered up. Bangor and Donaghadee are in Co Down.
Just outside Donaghadee on Milisle Road there is an old cemetery, at Templepatrick. There used to be a well there
8 Stories
The legend about the Bangor one is that St Columba also known as Colmcille paid a visit to Bangor Abbey. He left a monk minding his boat after he landed at Bangor Bay. St Comgall, abbot and founder of Bangor Abbey came down to the shore following the stream. He invited the monk up to the abbey. On the way he noticed the monk was blind in one eye. He bathed the eye in water from the Holy Well and the monk’s eye was healed. An old Thorn Tree was beside the well.
9 Publications
Historical History of Down and Connor Vol 2 by Monsignor James O’Laverty.
10 More
Is the derivation of Donaghadee Domhnach Caoide Caidin’s Church? Would fit in with Kaddy’s Well . A local Donaghadee man has wondered about that.
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.
The Well of St. Cathaldus is dedicated to Saint Cathaldus.
2 Townland, County, GPS
The well is located in Canty, Count Waterford (west of Dungarvan).
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located in a field owned by a farmer and his family. A large crab apple tree used to shade the well, but most of the tree has been removed.
4 Cure
It is said that the well once held cures for sore eyes.
5 Pattern day
The pattern day was once celebrated on May 10th, but has now fallen out of popularity with pilgrims as it is believed the well is no longer curative.
6 Offerings
Rosaries were once tied to the crab apple tree that grew above the well. Close to 100 years ago, children from the village would throw rocks at the tree to knock down the apples, but the rocks would then fall into the surrounding field. The farmer who owned the land (Mr. Kiely) became angry at the children because one of their rocks had fallen into the hay he was cutting and had broken his scythe when he went to cut the hay. He cut the tree down and threw it into the corner of the field before dying several months later from unknown causes. The well dried for several days after the man cut down the tree, and now dries each summer.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The well is no longer visited for its cures. Rather, pilgrims will visit the site in order to honor Saint Cathaldus.
8 Stories
It is said that the well lost its curative nature after an unknown woman washed her clothing in the well's waters .
9 Publications
Eugene Broderick (2016) Broderick, Eugene. 2016. Patterns and Patrons: The Holy Wells of Waterford. (p.52)
http://homepage.eircom.net/~whitech/historyofcanty.htm
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This site was deemed to be significant to the life of St. Cathaldus by an Italian delegation in the year 2000 who visited Canty in order to honor the saint.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
“The spring of St Catherine’s Well rose beneath the kitchen floor of a house in Millbourne Avenue, Drumcondra, and from there it was culverted to a rustic pointed well chamber built onto the side of the house itself. When the house was demolished, the municipal authorities took great care to protect the well and preserve it within a section of ornamental shrubbery, but both have now disappeared and its present location is along the main walkway in Griffith Park…[no] surface remains of the well exist, but a brass plaque attached to the railings of the park [are the] approximate location as being the site of the well” (Branigan 2012: 71-72).
4 Cure
Cures eye disorders, whooping cough, toothache. Branigan notes that to obtain a cure, “water was drunk from a skull, strongly pointing to pre-Christian practice” (Branigan 2012: 71).
9 Publications
Branigan, Gary. 2012. Ancient and Holy Wells of Ireland. Dublin: The History Press Ireland.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located “in the parish of Collon, about two miles south of Collon and a quarter of a mile from the Slane-Collon Road. In Glasallen townland St Colmcille’s Well was situated in a beautiful valley and is marked as a spring on the OS maps” (French 2012: 18). Additionally, “the well was a deep spring well about five feet in diameter. The well was surrounded by white-thorn trees and stood a little way away from a field boundary…The well was covered by a large flagstone and flags formed steps down to the well” (French 2012: 19).
4 Cure
Cures sore feet and eyes, back ache, eye disorders. To cure sore feet or eyes, “people washed in the stream running from the well” (French 2012: 20). Also, “a bottle of water from the well protected a house particularly during thunderstorms” (French 2012: 20).
5 Pattern day
Rounds were made at the well on the 9 June. The well was also visited on the eight days after the saint’s day, making it a nine day pattern" (French 2012: 19).
6 Offerings
“Strings and pieces of cloth were attached to the trees by visiting pilgrims. A mug was supplied at the well for drinking after completing the rounds” (French 2012: 19).
7 Prayer rounds and stations
"Usually the Rosary was said as the people went around the well and knelt for each decade. There were five bushes around the well and each of these was a station and a decade of the Rosary was recited at each station. After the first round pilgrims took three drinks of water from the well” (French 2012: 19-20).
8 Stories
“It is said that St Colmcille was travelling from Kells to Monasterboice when he became thirsty. He drank from the spring, rested and then blessed the well” (French 2012: 18-19).
“it was the usual custom of among old people in the parish to go to the well barefoot and not eat anything until they returned” (French 2012: 20).
“Isaac Butler visited the well in 1774 and said that thousands of country people assembled there. He wrote that after a solemn service performed by several priests in the attendance ate, drank, and made merry. Football was played and sometimes great quarrels arose with several people going home with broken and sore limbs” (French 2012: 20).
“In 1916 Fr. James Dolan C.C. Collon revived the custom of the rounds” (French 2012: 20).
“A school child in the 1930s said there was ‘no authentic’ cure mentioned in connection to the well. Another schoolchild recorded that abuses had crept in and mostly young people went there for amusement. The last pattern was held in the late 1950s or early 1960s. the land was sold and reclaimed. The well was filled and the bushes surrounding it were removed in 1965 but memories of the well and pattern survived. Celebration of the pattern has been revived by the Broomfield & District Resident Association in recent years” (French 2012: 20).
9 Publications
French, Noel. 2012. Meath Holy Wells. Trim: Meath Heritage Centre.
Tobar Cholmcille (St Columba’s Well), dedicated to St. Colmcille
2 Townland, County, GPS
Affane parish in Curraghroche townland, county Waterford
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is situated in the Blackwater area of County Waterford, and is considered to be a more well-known well in the county. Nearby there was once a bullaun stone and a carved head in a canopy, but these are considered to be no longer visible to visitors (Broderick, 2016: 46-47).
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4 Cure
This well is said to cure sore eyes and poor eyesight. Many who make pilgrimage to the site will apply the water to the eyes, or take it back home for its curative properties.
5 Pattern day
It notes that the saint’s feast day is June 9, but it is unclear as to whether the pattern day is observed on that date currently.
6 Offerings
It is noted that you must pay visits, but there is no information as to whether offerings are deposited.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
According to Broderick, you must pay nine visits to the site if a person desires a cure before sunrise. If one sees a trout the morning of the ninth visit, it is a sign that the visitor will be cured of their ailments (Broderick,2016: 46-47).
8 Stories
A local man who worked in the area verified the sanctity of the well. He took the water home to boil and it did not get hot, but he saw the trout in the legend. When he went to return it and came back with more water, it boiled. There was no harm done to the man, the legend notes, because this encounter was accidental.
9 Publications
Broderick, Eugene. 2016. Patterns and Patrons: The Holy Wells of Waterford.
Colmcille is considered a great early Irish saint and is considered the reason Christianity was brought to Scotland and founded the abbey at Iona. He died in 597.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well can be found off R671 towards Clonmel for 5km and it is signposted under “The Holy Well.” Josephine and Jerry Fitzgerald contributed to the many plaques that are there. There is a statue of saint Declan and a plaque that reads much about Saint Declan’s contributions. A statue of Mary stands nearby with two stone crucifixes. A stone altar is above and a pulpit is nearby for outdoor services.
(Broderick 2016: 45).
4 Cure
People who visit the site must visit three times in order to be cured. Many wash their limbs, as the well is believed to have curative properties for skin ailments. It is also believed to cure eye ailments as well (Broderick 2016: 45). Those wishing to bathe an afflicted portion of the body are asked to bathe in a small shielded area to which the well flows and water used for washing then flows away. Washing is not undertaken at the main font.
5 Pattern day
The pattern day is celebrated on July 24, and mass is celebrated at the site. Rounds are also done as part of the pattern day ritual.
6 Offerings
There is evidence of offerings deposited at the site. These include flowers and plastic flowers, rosary beads, rags, shoe laces, ties, and towels. The rags and towels are tied to a nearby bush. There is a wooden cross nearby where people hang rosary beads.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The well does observe a long standing pilgrimage tradition, and people do a round at the well reciting the rosary. Many also wash their limbs in a nearby trough as part of the ritual.
8 Stories
Stories say that St. Declan stopped at this well himself for a drink on his way to Cashel. Much of its upkeep in the mid 20th century was due to the Fitzgeralds and their plaque contributions. These nearby crucifixes and pulpit are Church-approved forms of piety at the well and speak to modern traditions (Broderick 2016: 45).
9 Publications
Broderick, Eugene. 2016. Patterns and Patrons: The Holy Wells of Waterford. 45.
The well is in the Old Graveyard in Kenmare town, Co Kerry.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well is on the shore below the graveyard and is dedicated to the 7th century St Finian.
4 Cure
The "cure" it has is for healing sore or infected eyes. A person puts some of the water on the affected eye or eyes and leaves it there for a certain amount of time and their eyes will be healed.
6 Offerings
Shells, rosary beads, rags, and small pebbles. A slate has been left on top of the well structure so that visitors may etch a cross in that rather than on the stones that form the impoundment/shelter.
St. Flainn's well also honors the Blessed Virgin Mary
2 Townland, County, GPS
Cloonnafinneela, Kerry
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
"The well is surrounded by a wall and over it grows a large yew tree which is laden with offerings and decorated with beautiful flowers." (SFC 0412:221) It is also said that the well is on a hill near the river Rae and that the ruins of Saint Flainn's hermitage are close by. A statue of teh Blessed Virgin Mary is part of the site shrine. (See Amanda Clarke's description:https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2019/11/03/signage-paths-no-cows-three-wells-in-north-kerry/)
4 Cure
The holy well contains a cure for blindness. (SFC 0412:221)
5 Pattern day
April 30th, or May Eve, is the pattern day associated with St. Flainn's well. It is celebrated with an open air mass and a procession from a church close by called St Mary's along the river and to the well. (Clark, 2019: https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2019/11/03/signage-paths-no-cows-three-wells-in-north-kerry/)
6 Offerings
Flowers, figurines, and rosaries are left by the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the well. It is also said that votives are left on the yew tree close to the well. (SFC 0412:221)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
"When saying the Rosary a person should begin at the well and proceed to the right up a little hill and round the well and then finish it at the well." (SFC 0412:221)
8 Stories
The most common story about this well seems to be its origin story: A man called Saint Flainn became blind in his old age and, because of his devotion to her, the Virgin Mary came to him and offered him the cure to his blindness. Instead of accepting this healing and regaining his sight he asked that cure be put into the well so that many people after him could be cured of their eye ailments instead. (Kilflynn; GoKerry.ie)
9 Publications
Galvin, John. A Social History of Rural Ireland of the 1950s: Remembering Crotta
St Eóin's Well, also referred to Saint Senan's Well or St. Luke's Well.
2 Townland, County, GPS
Asdee, County Kerry
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
St. Eoin's well is a circular well filled with clear water located in a field with a small wooden fence around it. It is below ground, surrounded by stone and has a shrine with a Virgin Mary statue near it.
4 Cure
The well is said to hold a cure for sore eyes and rheumatism. The cure is obtained by "...drink[ing] the well-water. They never bathe in the well but they rub it to the affected part." (SFC, 0403:039)
5 Pattern day
The well is visited "the Saturday before May-day, the first Saturday in May and before St. John's day." (SFC, 0403:038) Mass is held yearly on June 24th.
6 Offerings
Offerings include string/pieces of cloth, pictures of saint john, and medals. The cloth is tied to a bush which grows close to the well.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
"You should go round the well three times and say a rosary while you are going around. This should be done three times." (SFC, 0403:038)
8 Stories
One story from the School Folklore Collection is as follows: "One day as St. Eóin was saying Mass by the well the priest hunters came along. The people got afraid but St. Eóin told them not to be afraid and when he had Mass finished he mounted his horse and the horse rose up into the air and came down on top of Cnoc an Áir." (SFC, 0403:038)
Another story also from the School Folklore Collection: "One day a man who was blind in one eye went to the well and started to do the rounds. When he had the rounds finished he washed his eye with the water from the well. After a while the eye was cured and when he opened his eye he saw the lump that was in it swimming in the water, and after a while a fish came to the top of he water and carried the lump away with him." (SFC, 0403:104)
And another from Dwelling, Place and Environment, written by Walter G Brenneman: "On the eve of her wedding she went to meditate at St Eoin’s well. She sat on the grass before the well, and out from out of a nearby bush there sprung a golden trout, moving on its tail as a salmon skims the across the surface of the water. The trout leapt into the water and disappeared. From the spot where he disappeared, there arose a continuous stream of bubbles. These are considered to be full of power and no doubt refer back to the na bolcca immaiss, or mystic bubble of inspiration of the Well of Segais." (ed David Saemon, Robert Mugerauer,1985)
9 Publications
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4666582?pageNum=038
https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2020/03/01/north-kerry-escapade-part-2/
David Saemon and Robert Mugerauer, Dwelling, Place, and Environment, 1985
10 More
Picture from Clarke at https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2020/03/01/north-kerry-escapade-part-2/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is surrounded by a cover of old trees, which creates a natural grove. There are 4 grottos with religious figurines at the entrance to the well. One of the figurines is of St. Joseph. The main well is without water due to roadwork interfering with water flow. The site has been neglected since the local hospital closed and foot traffic decreased.
4 Cure
The well is said to offer cures for eyes and headaches.
5 Pattern day
On August 15, the well has a local cleanup followed by an annual Mass.
9 Publications
Houlihan, Michael. 2015. The Holy Wells of County Clare.