Sometimes I have not visited a well simply because it sounds as though it has long gone and there is literally nothing to see. This can be a dangerous assumption for several wells have been there when eventually visited, often covered in undergrowth but still there. I was contacted by Diarmuid a few weeks ago […]
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A stray serpent, a sacred fish and elusive kneeprints: two wells dedicated to St Patrick
St Patrick’s Well, Cloncagh Just when he though he had the job done, St Patrick was visiting the church at Cloncagh, South Limerick, when what should he see but a serpent hurtling towards him! He quickly threw his prayer book at the beast and where it landed up sprung a holy well. The serpent was […]
Patrick’s Well: trees, trout & a strange mound
In search for a well for St Patrick’s Day where better to start than a townland encouragingly called Patrickswell. This one is in County Limerick which has nineteen wells dedicated to the patron saint – quite a contrast to County Cork which has only two and I have yet to come across any dedicated to […]
Sunday in the Woods
After an excellent few days around Kilmallock enjoyed with the Roaringwaters, we thought we could fit in one more well before returning home. From the OS map this looked quite hike, a long track leading up towards the Ballyhoura mountains, the track then seeming to stop. Ever intrepid, the sun shining on a bright frosty […]
A Black Dog, a Golden Trout & St Molua
Still in Limerick, and on a glorious crisp morning we made we made a very quick stop at a well close to our hotel in Kilmallock. Sunday’s Well, Toberreendoney, The Black Dog Well, Deebert The well is situated at the side of the main road and is beautifully maintained. The site is enclosed by a […]
En route to Ardpatrick
En route to Ardpatrick, a sign caught our eye somewhere near Kilfinnane- holy wells. Having never knowingly driven past one let alone more than one, we decided to investigate. A gap in a hedge and faded signage looked hopeful. It was quite a steep clamber down the other side, the steps literally cut into the […]