I haven’t had much time for fieldwork recently and this is the reason!
This book is the result of seven years visiting, recording and researching as many of the of the 358 holy wells in County Cork as was physically possible – 330 at the last count with 28 still remaining elusive. I think this is the first time so many wells in the county have been visited and recorded by one person, with their histories, connections, stories and folklore examined and collated. Many themes have emerged: the variety of cures (over 30 available); the multitude of patron saints (more than 60 individuals have been encountered, including some very colourful characters); the timeless rituals and pilgrimages, many of which are still carried on today; the role of the attendant sacred trees; and the beliefs surrounding the blessed fish, all united by the intriguing complexities of the folklore connected to individual wells.
The book contains over 250 pages including thirty specific exemplars of holy wells throughout the county. It is richly illustrated, mainly with my own photos. You can take a sneaky preview here.
We’re just finalising the printing and pricing but are hoping that it should be good to go by the end of June, if not before. Please sign up here should you wish to be the first to know.
I cannot wsit to have this book!
Rachel Lee
Thanks Rachel I’ll keep you informed of progress.
I can’t wait amanda…what a labour ofove. We owe you so much.
Thanks Marguerite, I shall be relieved when it’s printed!
Congratulations, Amanda, on this beautiful labor of love!
Thanks so much Betty Lou, yes a lot of work but hopefully worth it!
Well done and congratulations! Even if our unholy well doesn’t make the cut I’m so glad you’ve done this. They’re eyes of water, seeing our doings, blinking and winking and going blind and hiding from the horrors of our disrespect!
Hi Lucy, thanks so much and some would be of the opinion that all wells are holy. I’ll let you know when the launch is nd hope you both might come.
Well done and what a labour of love.
Hi Helen, thanks so much, yes a lot of work but an enjoyable project. Hope all’s well with you.
Well done on putting that together, it looks like a great resource – you’ve done an amazing job getting together all the history on your wells. Very much looking forwards to getting a copy when it’s ready.
Thanks Ian, you know how obsessive this becomes but how important it is too. Thanks for your support.
Just the best news – it made my day
Thanks so much Enda – hope all’s well with you
Amanda, Did you manage to get the holy wells in Donoughmore. Best of Luck.
Gerard
I did! St Lachteen and St Olan are two of my favourite saints. Thanks, Gerard.