A couple of books have recently drawn my attention to the fascinating phenomenon of blessed clay/earth. The Holy Wells of Ireland: Sacred Realms & Popular Domains (Indiana Press, 2023) contains a variety of interesting essays covering all subjects connected with holy wells – I even have an article – but the one that is specially […]
healingpriests
Thwarted
Thwarted at every turn today by cattle, streams, briars and tiny winding roads with five rather obscure wells on the agenda, roughly between Macroom and Carrigadrohid. No great successes well-wise, but I did encounter a few things of interests and the day was beautiful. Well of the White Fort, Tobar an Rátha Bháin, Toberbaun, Tobar […]
A clutch of Bullauns
Stouke burial ground comes as a bit of a surprise. It seems to be miles from anywhere, high up overlooking some spectacular countryside in West Cork. The name is odd too. The old name for the site is Kilaspick Oen – Church of Bishop John. Later it became cillin stuaice – little church of the […]
On the R631 towards Carrigaline
Delivering the last son to the airport after the Christmas holidays, the return journey afforded an excellent opportunity for a spot of well hunting. Four wells were on the agenda all loosely located off the R631 towards Carrigaline. First stop Sunday’s Well, Raffeen. Sunday’s Well, Raffeen This well lies off a steep lane – a […]
Tobairín na Teampaill, Little Well of the Church, Durrus
You need sharp eyes to spot this tiny little well. It is literally cut out of the side of a bank, the area heavily overgrown with ferns. When I first visited in 2016, I cleared away a little of the undergrowth to reveal a small, rectangular, stone basin; the water fresh and clear. I could […]