This is the last post about my recent sojourn to County Clare with Finola of Roaringwater Journal. Although we had been firmly on the trail of St Senan I was thrilled to find that Lady’s Well Drumellihy was close to Kilkee. I had long admired the elaborate and distinctive wellhouse with its smart blue and […]
Schools' Folklore Project
Jiving with St Senan Part 2: Scattery Island
After the atrocious weather of the the day before (see Part 1) and the cancellation of all ferries, Scattery Island Tours kindly laid on an extra sailing on Saturday morning to anyone who had missed their original booking. We were keen to avail of the offer and were amazed to find that we were the […]
Jiving with (St) Senan: a few days in West Clare
I recently had a few very enjoyable days in West Clare with Finola of Roaringwater Journal. We were on the trail of St Senan, our sights set on holy wells and stained glass. I must first mention two excellent sources which I have relied on extensively and both are part of County Clare Heritage Office […]
A St Michael Well on the Cork /Waterford Border
St Michael’s Well, Tobernhulla, Well of the Anointing I was sent an image of this well by Michael O’ Sullivan who suggested that I visit it as part of my research in the holy wells of County Cork. I was amazed I hadn’t come across it before and it has proved too be a bit […]
In Celebration of St Brendan the Navigator
There are some very interesting saints encountered when pursuing holy wells in the south west of Ireland and one of my favourites is St Brendan, usually known as the Navigator. His feast day is coming up on the 16th May so it seems timely to explore his life story which can be traced via holy wells in counties Cork and Kerry, with occasional sorties elsewhere
Set in Stone: an exploration of saintly imprints
In the middle of a small road leading to the Swiss Cottage in Cahir, County Tipperary , is a lozenge shape, inlaid with stones – but look carefully and two large scoops can be seen in the centre. These are described as imprints left by St Patrick’s knees when he knelt down to pray whilst […]