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 […]
St Mochuda
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 […]
A holy stone & a crooked half crown: meandering in South Kerry
A quick field trip to County Kerry recently produced a couple of interesting finds. The first was a bullaun stone, recognised as a holy well, now enclosed in its own ivy-covered stone enclosure at the side of the Cloonalassan road out for Castlemaine. Closer inspection revealed the bullaun to be large, flush with the ground […]
Motorway Madness: 9 possible wells off the M8
Back on the road again and heading down the east side of the M8 today – apologies if this is a bit of a ramble in all senses of the word! First a quick detour west to Ballyhooly to inspect St Brendan’s Well just glimpsed yesterday as the light and myself were fading. Ballyhooly by […]
A trip across the border 2: Killarney wells
Part two of my Kerry excursion and a trip to Killarney meant various holy wells required visiting. The first was right in the centre of the town. St Mary’s Well, Killarney St Mary’s Well is in the town itself, conveniently near the central car park. It is an unexpected sight amidst the bustle of Killarney […]
Kilmacow Holy Well, near Kanturk
After a disappointing search for a a couple of wells near Kanturk, we decided to try one more site before returning home to West Cork. It proved to be something rather special. Kilmacow Holy Well, Tobarkilmacoo The well was instantly recognisable as we travelled up the long boreen towards the farmhouse, for there in a […]