A very fruitful three days in East and Mid Cork enjoying a spot of well hunting. A fine variety was discovered, this little crop lurking on either side of the M8. St Cuain’s Well, Tobairin Cuain, Knockraha This well sounded intriguing: I liked both names – Knockraha (hill of the forts) and the unusual and […]
Beara Wells 2 & a trip into Kerry
Like a terrier with a stick, I kept on thinking about St Mochuda’s Well as yet unfound, and the mystery well at the roadside. A few weeks ago we had a second trip to the Beara Peninsula and had time to investigate further. A gorgeous cold day, snow on the mountains, the wind whipping through […]
Cornish Cousins: seven wells from across the water
A few days in Cornwall for a family reunion, and a chance to explore some of the holy wells over there. There are strong ties between Ireland and Cornwall, indeed many of the Cornish saints seem to have originated in Ireland, so no surprise to find the wells shared many similarities yet retained their unique […]
Some wells are invisible: exploring around Enniskean
Some wells prove difficult! I had five wells on the agenda today, all remote and my expectations of finding anything were low. This proved entirely justified. But I did get to explore some beautiful areas in the crisp Spring sunshine. St Srufan’s Well, Drimoleague First stop, St Strufan’s Well, long vanished according to the Archaeological […]
Found, Lost & Unknown: Three Beara Wells
A trip out to the Beara Peninsula. It was misty and mizzling, low clouds moving over the rugged mountains, the scenery spectacular, the colours ever changing; incredibly imposing even in the damp weather. The search for wells had mixed results: one definite, one confusing and one not found. Holy Well, Tobar Beannaithe, Roosk, near Adrigole […]
Island Wells 2: Whiddy Island, Oileán Faoide
There are seven inhabited islands off the coast of Cork: Cape Clear Island, Sherkin Island, Heir Island, Long Island, Whiddy Island, Bere Island and Dursey Island. And of course they all have a well or two. Some island hopping required. The rain and wind having ceased slightly, I thought it time I ventured over to […]