All holy wells hold a capacity for healing. As far as I can ascertain, there some subtle distinctions between them: a Blessed Well, Tobar Beannaithe, holds a cure – often for sore eye or warts while Tobar Slanán, a health giving well, as the name suggest, contains water that is good for you and may or […]
St Patrick
(Probably) the largest well in Ireland….
I have visited Tubrid Well in Millstreet several times and am always impressed how it is referred to with pride as being the second largest holy well in Ireland, and possibly the UK. No one seemed very sure which has the accolade of being the largest though. Popular opinion seems to suggest that it’s St […]
St Declan’s Well, Ardmore
I’m just back from an excellent two day conference on Holy Wells, An Tobar, in Waterford. It’s always good to meet like minded fellow enthusiasts and it was a very cosmopolitan and interesting gathering. Congratulations to the two organisers, Celeste Ray and Shane Lordan, for such a well organised and comprehensive conference. After all the […]
Exploring around the M8
A very fruitful three days in East and Mid Cork enjoying a spot of well hunting. A fine variety was discovered, this little crop lurking on either side of the M8. St Cuain’s Well, Tobairin Cuain, Knockraha This well sounded intriguing: I liked both names – Knockraha (hill of the forts) and the unusual and […]
Some wells are invisible: exploring around Enniskean
Some wells prove difficult! I had five wells on the agenda today, all remote and my expectations of finding anything were low. This proved entirely justified. But I did get to explore some beautiful areas in the crisp Spring sunshine. St Srufan’s Well, Drimoleague First stop, St Strufan’s Well, long vanished according to the Archaeological […]
St Patrick’s Holy Well, Castle Blackwater
Below the castle and near the margin of the river, is a holy well, dedicated to St. Patrick, on whose anniversary a patron is held here: the water is remarkably pure, and is much esteemed by the peasantry for its supposed virtues. Cork, A Topographical Dictionary of Parishes, Towns and Villages of Cork City and […]