3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Amanda Clarke describes her attempt at locating St. Fachtna’s well as being difficult. A local woman directed her to a pier near Rossbrin castle. She was then instructed to walk 50 paces towards a rock with water pouring out of it. (Clarke, 2016) The well itself boasts an exceptional appearance as described by Clarke, “fresh water seeping out from rock into the salt water at the edge of the sea.The water was cold and clear, gathering in a natural basin in the rock, then flowing out into the strand” (Clarke, 2016). Clarke goes on to say that even the pebbles in the basin are colorful and beautiful.
4 Cure
The blessed well cures toothaches and provides a general panacea (SFC 0290, 272- 275)
5 Pattern day
St John’s Eve, June 23rd (Clarke, 2016).
6 Offerings
During the last surge in popularity at the well, practitioners would leave rags tied to a white thorn tree near the well (SFC 0290, 275). That tree has since died. During her visit, Amanda Clarke found coins left in rock crevices and rosaries left as votive offerings (Clarke, 2016).
8 Stories
Dermot Daly, in his entry to the Schools' Collection of folklore says masses may have been said on the nearby hill of Leacha na h'Atóna during penal times (SFC 0290, 276)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is near the Moher cliffs and north of the Liscannor village. Houlihan states, "In making the pilgrimage the site is considered to be in two parts -- the upper sanctuary (Ula Uachtarach) which includes a rag tree and the graveyard [...] and the lower sanctuary (Ula Íochtarach) where the statue and well are located" (Houlihan 2015: 114).
4 Cure
"The well offers cures for eyes, joints, and headaches. Nowadays it appears to offer assistance with a broader range of ailments, as demonstrated by the requests and notes of thanksgiving in the well house" (Houlihan 2015: 114).
5 Pattern day
There are pilgrimages done on the 1st of February, Saint Brigid's feast day, and is visited again on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 15th of August.
6 Offerings
There's a rag tree at the site for offerings.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Rounds begin at the saint's statue where pilgrims can make silent prayers, then they move to the upper part of the site, and end at the well.
9 Publications
Houlihan, Michael. 2015. The Holy Wells of County Clare. Castleisland, Co. Kerry: Walsh Colour Print.