Since I began this project, a year and a half ago, I have come across dedications to 51 various saints at nearly 200 wells. The most popular patron is the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), who currently has 29 wells dedicated to her. Not surprising really considering her elevated place in the Catholic pantheon as Mary, […]
Blessed Virgin Mary
En route to Doneraile 1: Dripsey
I’m just back from a few days in North Cork, a long list of wells on the agenda. We based ourselves in Doneraile but the journey up offered several opportunities for exploration. First stop – Dripsey where there were two wells, side by side, in what, according to the OS map, looked like the middle […]
A bit of Blarney
I always seem to be heading to the airport but what better excuse for a spot of well hunting. Three very different wells discovered today and a reminder of what real traffic can be like! Holy Well, Ballycannon, near BlarneyThe first well was located near Kerry Pike, a few miles outside Blarney. I spotted the […]
Well hunting off the N22
A trip to the airport always offers an opportunity for a bit of exploration. This time as slight detour was taken to visit a few wells off the N22. Sunday’s Well, Tobar Riogh an Domhnaigh, Rooves Beg This little well is signed and can found right on the roadside: incidentally this quiet, scenic, road was […]
Exploring around the M8
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 […]