St John’s Well, Tobar Eoin Baiste, Cooliska Still in County Limerick, today’s holy well is about seven kilometres southwest of Newcastle West in the townland of Cooliska : an Chúil Loiscthe, the burnt corner. It is large well right on the roadside, dominated by a sparkling white statue of the patron saint, St John the […]
Schools' Folklore Project
A Grand Day Out in Dunworley
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 […]
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 […]
Lady’s Well, Ballylanders
There is only one Holy Well in the parish of Ballylander Co. Limerick – it is in the graveyard about two hundred yards from the village. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and is patronised especially by those suffering from sore eyes. 15th August is the pattern day and for a fortnight before and […]
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 […]