Folklore · County Limerick
Folklore and traditions of County Limerick
44 sites with recorded traditions.
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44 sites in County Limerick with traditions recorded by the Archaeological Survey. County Limerick guide.
Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.
- Rathkeale Abbey Abbey or friary · Abbeylands, Co. Limerick
The Urban Survey of Limerick recorded the following details about St. Mary's Augustinian Priory of Rathkeale (Bradley et. al. 1989, 222-4); 'This is said to have been founded by Gilbert Harvey in the early thirteenth century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 190).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ardpatrick Round Tower Round tower · Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick
Hilltop monastery reputedly founded by St. Patrick and renamed Ardpatrick, hilltop formerly known as Tulach na Feinne [Hill of the Fianna] (Westropp 1922, 78).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Dysert Aengusa Round Tower Round tower · Carrigeen (Coshma By.), Co. Limerick
Aonghas was reputedly buried at Clonenagh (LA017-003001-), Co. Laois, after his death some time between 815-830, his feast day was the 11th of March (Stokes 1905, xxvi).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Dysert Aenghusa Ancient church · Carrigeen (Coshma By.), Co. Limerick
Aonghas was reputedly buried at Clonenagh (LA017-003001-), Co. Laois, after his death some time between 815-830, his feast day was the 11th of March (Stokes 1905, xxvi).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Killeen Cowpark Church Ancient church · Cowpark, Co. Limerick
In 1840 the Ordnance Survey letters recorded the local tradition that the patron saint of the parish was St Cornan, possibly, the same Cornan who was abbot of Lismore and whose feastday was remembered on the 1st of January (RIA MS 14/D/18/4 (v), 66).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilrush Church Ancient church · Limerick City,Kilrush, Co. Limerick
Well preserved ruins of small pre-Norman Kilrush Church (int. dims. 4.15m N-S; 7.55m E-W; Wall T 0.85m) reputedly founded by Rose who was the sister of St. Munchin (Ó Carragáin 2010, 312; Lenihan 1866, 542-3).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Munchin's Church Ancient church · Limerick City,King'S Island, Co. Limerick
Although traditionally regarded as founded by Mainchin himself in the fifth century it is more likely to have been established in the tenth or eleventh centuries as a Christian church within the Hiberno-Scandinavian town.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ballygrennan Castle Castle · Ballygrennan (Coshma By., Bruff Ed), Co. Limerick
Ballygrennan Castle described by the Ordnance Survey as 'this castle is said to have been built in the year 1400.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Carrigogunnell Castle · Carrigogunnel, Co. Limerick
The C[astle]. is said to have been occupied by the O'Briens in 1336 (Inq. Exchequer, 1, 1536).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Glenquin Castle Castle · Glenquin (Glenquin By., Monagay Ed), Co. Limerick
According to local tradition this castle was built by a member of the O'Hallinan clan (Fitzgerald and McGregor 1826, 377; Westropp 1906-07, 237).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Rockstown Castle Castle · Rockstown, Co. Limerick
The Bourkes are said to have inhabited it' (OSNB, 707).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Barrigone Well Holy well · Craggs, Co. Limerick
Area around well (4.2m x 2.6m) enclosed by concrete wall, with opening to E. Small shrine atop wall immediately W of well and concrete altar short distance to W. According to Ó Danachair (1955, 215) 'a great pattern was held formerly on 14th-15th August, when…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
- Deborah's Well Holy well · Ballynahinch, Co. Limerick
Westropp (1904-5, 451) recorded that a pattern was held here at ; 'Tober Gobnait, or Deborah's Well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kenny's Well Holy well · Gortavalla East, Co. Limerick
Described by Ó Danachair (1955) as 'a clear spring well about three feet in diameter…the water cured many ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady Well Holy well · Skagh, Co. Limerick
It is said to possess healing virtues.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballylahiff (Coonagh By.), Co. Limerick
Folklore collected from Monard National Co. Tipperary recorded the following tradition about this holy well; 'There is a well in Ballylahiff locally known as Our Lady's Well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Castletown (Connello Upper By.), Co. Limerick
Path is worn around well where rounds are made.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballinvana, Co. Limerick
Rounds are still made: the water cures sore eyes.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Rathcahill East, Co. Limerick
According to local tradition parish church of Rathcahill (LI044-133---) was located across the road from the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Fantstown, Co. Limerick
A pattern was held on 15th August up to about 1820.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballylanders, Co. Limerick
A pattern is held on 15th August, the largest of its kind in the county, with parades, games and dances in addition to the devotions at the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballyshanedehey, Co. Limerick
Rounds were made within living memory, but there are no devotions now'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Thomastown (Coshlea By.), Co. Limerick
Rags and small religious objects are left as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Mary Magdalene's Well Holy well · Kilbane, Co. Limerick
Rounds still made, especially on the feast day (22nd July).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Churchquarter, Co. Limerick
The water cured sore eyes and other ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Derivla's Well Holy well · Castletown (Connello Upper By.), Co. Limerick
According to Ó Danachair (1955, 205) rounds still mad here in mid-1950s and 'a pattern and fair was held on 11th February until about 1870'; he also notes legends that 'Saint Gobnait lived here', and that 'a white stag is sometimes seen at the well'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Ite's Well Holy well · Killeedy North, Co. Limerick
The following folklore was recorded from Raheenagh National School about St. Ita's Well; 'There is a holy well in the ground where her monastery was built and many people come and pray their on her feast day.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Ann's Well Holy well · Sunville Upper, Co. Limerick
No devotions now, but rounds were made up to about 1930.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Cartown, Co. Limerick
A great many rags still hang at the well; small religious objects are left as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballinlough, Co. Limerick
Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Kildromin, Co. Limerick
Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Kilfrush, Co. Limerick
The water cured eye ailments, and rags were left on the tree as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Stonehall, Co. Limerick
To S steps lead upslope via a gravel pathway back and around well to N. Modern pipe drains well to feed cattle trough c. 4m to S. Bushes, with rags attached, to W. According to Ó Danachair (1955, 212) rounds made here often, especially on 1st Feb.; water said…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Tubbrid, Co. Limerick
The following folklore was recorded from Nutgrove National School about St. Bridget's Well; 'There is a holy well in Tubrid about a quarter of a mile South of Nutgrove school, and it is called after St. Bridget, and it is said that a woman washed clothes in…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Shangarry, Co. Limerick
According to Ó Danachair (1955, 212) rounds made on 1st February and 'a pattern was held formerly on this day … legend: Saint Brighid converted a pagan chieftan who lived in the fort, and caused a well to spring up for baptism.'
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Kilbreedy (Coshma By., Bruree Ed), Co. Limerick
Formerly very popular, especially for the cure of sore eyes'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Margaret's Well Holy well · Knockuregare, Co. Limerick
"There are stations performed at this well for the cure of diseases".
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreedia Holy well · Tuogh (Owneybeg By.), Co. Limerick
The site is sheltered to N, E and S and has good views to W. Described by Ó Danachair (1955, 213) as 'a strong spring issuing from the rock…the water cures vomiting and sick stomach if taken fasting before daybreak'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreedia Holy well · Cloonpasteen, Co. Limerick
In mid-1950s 'rounds still made, but not often' (Ó Danachair 1955, 205).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreedia Holy well · Ballintober, Co. Limerick
Widely known as the "Chincough Well" and said to cure whooping cough in children.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Tobermurry, Co. Limerick
By 1840 rounds were only occasionally made here (OSL vol. 1, 21) and had ceased completely by 1950s (Ó Danachair 1955, 212); rounds were made on the 15th August (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Templeathea West, Co. Limerick
On latter sit numerous cups; rags are tied to surrounding trees.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Dromtrasna North, Co. Limerick
According to Ó Danachair (ibid.) rounds are made 'on the Saturdays of May' and the well dedicated to Our Lady and St Ita; the water was reputed to cure 'sore eyes and other ailments' (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lough Gur Standing Stone Standing stone · Grange (Smallcounty By.), Co. Limerick
In 1919 the following folklore about this standing stone was recorded; 'An old man, however suggested to me that Cromcon, which could hardly be a corruption of Cinn Con, was from the Irish Cromcheann, "bowed head", and that it was probably the name of the…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact