Unbelievably is seems that ten years have passed since I first ventured out, rather naively it has to be said, on my quest to visit and record the state of the holy wells in County Cork. My original motives were curiosity and a desire to see a bit more of the county, a good project for my recent retirement. I hadn’t really thought it through and wasn’t expecting to be so entranced and absorbed by my peregrination. When I set out I knew very little about the traditions or folklore surrounding holy wells nor about the attendant rituals and etiquette. I’ve had my eyes opened in all respects. These are a few of my experiences.
Schools' Folklore Project
The Sacred Springs of Uisneach
Although having been much side-tracked by the wonders in Fore and marvels in Lemanaghan, the Hill of Uisneach was the reason for our recent visit to County Westmeath. We realised we had never been to the geographic and mythological centre of Ireland and thought it time to visit the Omphalos Hibernian, the very navel of Ireland itself! How very fortunate to discover that were also a few holy wells and sacred springs in the vicinity.
Fair-worded St Féichín & the Seven Wonders of Fore
Founded in the seventh century by St Féichín, the extensive remains of this Benedictine Abbey date from the twelfth century. Dotted around the large site are traces of the Seven Wonders of Fore which continue to entice curious pilgrims. Look out for two holy wells, a sacred tree and a hefty lintel.
In the Hoofprints of St Manchán: a trip to County Offaly
We’re just back from a short but action-packed few days in County Westmeath which turned out to be full of wonders and astonishment. Perhaps the most amazing was to be found enroute to the early monastic site of Lemanaghan, actually in County Offaly. St Manchán’s Shrine, Boher The first stop was at the little church […]
Signs & Serendipity – the changing fortunes of St Finbarr’s Well near Dunmanway
Serendipitous things often occur when looking for holy wells. St Finbarr is patron saint of Cork and his feast day is 25th September. The main pattern has always been at Gougane Barra, the site where he built his original cell, and an open air Mass is held on the Sunday nearest to this date. This […]
St Dominic’s Well, Glanworth & some thoughts on restoration & maintenance
I was recently invited to Glanworth in North Cork to give a talk on holy wells as part of National Heritage Week, and to acknowledge the recent renovation of St Dominic’s Holy Well by the local community groups. I have visited a few times before, each time alarmed by the neglected and sorry state of […]