St. Bartholomew's Well

St. Bartholomew's Well

Saint Bartholomew's Well

The well is located in Moord, Waterford County (near Piltown).

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.

The well is meant to cure sore eyes, and it is believed that the site held value before its dedication to Saint Bartholomew.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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/