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 […]
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Two wells on the Cork/Limerick border
Whilst in Limerick hunting down the Gobnait wells, it would have been rude not to visit a few others in the vicinity. In fact, I fear County Limerick might be calling! These two wells are literally on the border with Cork near Charleville, in fact they are both mentioned in the entries for County Cork […]
Three Stragglers in South Kerry: Coolmagort & Kilclogherane
Whilst trawling through photos, I came across three wells which had somehow escaped being recorded. All are in South Kerry not far from Killarney. Tobar Críosta, Toberchreest, Well of Christ, St Brigid’s Well, Dunloe Tobar Críosta is in the townland of Coolmagort, wild and scenic country to the west of Killarney near the Gap of […]
Trout & Tussocks: the Strangeness of Holy Lakes
I don’t know what the situation is in other counties but Cork and Kerry seem to have a fondness for holy lakes. In County Cork for example, the entire Lake at Gougane Barra was once considered sacred for it was here that St Finbarr wrestled with the resident water serpent, Tú, and of course won. […]
Sunday’s Well, Lisloose: A Cautionary Tale
An unexpected meeting with fellow holy well enthusiast Gail Tangney led to an enjoyable whizz around Tralee inspecting three wells. First we had an excellent coffee and bun in the wonderful Madden’s coffee shop. It was even Infant of (Pride) Prague themed! Refreshed we leapt in our cars and headed to Lisloose. Sunday’s Well, Tobar […]
Off the beaten track in Corca Dhuibhne
Jim Dempsey of the excellent Megalithic Ireland kindly alerted me to a well on the Dingle Peninsula which he had recently cleared a path to, and he advised that I visit soon before the undergrowth took over once again. That sounded like a good excuse to nip across to Kerry for a few days. Well […]