Folklore and traditions
Healing wells and cures
Wells and sites where a cure was sought - for eyes, warts, toothache and more - as recorded by the Archaeological Survey. 118 sites across 21 counties.
Illustrative image
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.
- Saint Francis Well Holy well · Cork City, Co. Cork
Fitzgerald, in 1896 (O Coindealbháin 1946, 161), describes well (diam. 5ft; D 2ft) as surrounded by path leading to crypt-like room with rock forming end wall; used as cure for sore eyes, consumption and other ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Donagh Church of Ireland, Carndonagh Ancient church · Churchland Quarters, Co. Donegal
A patch of bare soil is still respected as a source of cures.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Doon Well Holy well · Doon, Co. Donegal
Nearby is a sapling to which are attached mementoes of the cures sought at the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Ladys Well Holy well · Tyrrelstown, Co. Dublin
Formerly a pattern day was held on the 8th of September (Ó Danachair 1958-60, 76; Daly 1957, 19).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Catherine's Holy Well (Dublin) Holy well · St. Catherine'S Park, Co. Dublin
Tradition has it that the water from the larger well was drunk and the water from the smaller well was used to bathe sore eyes.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Catherine's Well (Malahide) Holy well · Saintdoolaghs, Co. Dublin
Folklore collected in 1937 from Baldoyle Convent recorded the following details about St. Catherine's Well; 'At the time of Cromwell there was a Catholic Church called St Dolough's near Raheny, it was taken from the Catholics.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Colmcille's Well Holy well · Oldcourt, Co. Dublin
The water is traditionally thought to cure sore eyes, ears and throat.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Patrick's Well Holy well · , Co. Dublin
The waters were thought to cure sore eyes and inveterate ulcers.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Townparks Holy Well Holy well · Townparks (Nethercross By.), Co. Dublin
Traditionally associated with St. Columb\Columba\Colmcille.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Westpalstown Church Ancient church · Westpalstown, Co. Dublin
William Tedder is curate, and hath but xxxtie or xl tie shillings a-yeare for servinge the cure.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church Abbey or friary · , Co. Dublin
After the suppression of the religious houses by the act of Henry VIII., the Carmelites, as well as all the other religious communities in or about the city of Dublin, seem to have settled in Cook-street, which street was from thence to about the middle of…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Sorney's Well Holy well · Drumacoo, Co. Galway
Access is via seven steps at N. Modern votive offerings are visible and there is a local tradition of a pattern, performed on two consecutive Mondays and the intervening Thursday, at which cures for injuries, bleeding and minor disabilities are sought.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
- St Johns Well - Tobar Eoin Holy well · Cill Mhuire (Tc An Mhín Aird), Co. Kerry
Rounds are made here on the 29th of August and a pattern was formerly held on the same day (Ó Danachair 1960, 76).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Castlemarket, Co. Kilkenny
The well lies about a quarter of a mile north east of the Church [KK001-005001-] and is still resorted to for the cure of sore eyes, etc.' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 82).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Elakan's Well Holy well · Gorteennamuck, Co. Kilkenny
On the valley floor, at the heal of a stream.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Scoheen's Well Holy well · Freneystown, Co. Kilkenny
There are no votive offerings at the bottom of the well and there is no present tradition of a local pattern or any cures asscoiated with this well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobar na súl Holy well · Rathlogan, Co. Kilkenny
This well, as may be inferred from the name, was in great repute formerly for the cure of sore eyes, but now it is little frequented' (O'Flanagan ed. 1930, vol. 1, 156 (51)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernapeastia Holy well · Tobernapeastia, Co. Kilkenny
According to the OS Letters (1839), the well, 'in the Townland of Tobar na Peisté to which it gave its name signifying the Well of the Worm in which it is said people were accustomed to wash their hands to cure the worm.
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 - Kilcummin Well Holy well · Ballinlena, Co. Mayo
It was traditionally visited on the last Sunday in July, known as ‘Garland Sunday’ or ‘Domhnach Chrom Dubh’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Manchan's Well Holy well · Lemanaghan, Co. Offaly
According to Rev. Monahan (1886, 353) there were three holy wells located at Lemanaghan which held its annual pattern day on January 24th.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernalt Well Holy well · Aghamore Near, Co. Sligo
A holly tree hung with votive offerings and rags stands on high ground to the NW of the holy well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Monsea Church Ancient church · Monsea, Co. Tipperary
In 1405 a papal letter was sent to Robert Okely and John Olongayn, canons, of Killaloe with a mandate to collate and assign Malachy Ohogayn [O’Hogan], clerk, of the diocese of Killaloe, son of a priest and an unmarried woman, to be promoted to all, even holy…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Patrick's Well, Clonmel Holy well · Patrickswell (Inishlounaght Par.), Co. Tipperary
Associated with St. Patrick who is reputed to have passed the well on his journey from Cashel to Lismore (Morrissey 1909, 265).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberinneenboy Holy well · Glensleade, Co. Clare
According to local tradition (Kirby 2021) leaving an offering at the well would cure warts.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberinneenboy Holy well · Caherlooskaun, Co. Clare
While the well was ‘seldom frequented’ in the 1830s, its water was still reputed to ‘be good for the cure of sore eyes’ (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberinneenboy Holy well · Dulick, Co. Clare
It was originally dedicated to Iníne Baoith, and was resorted to for the cure of headaches.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Aunia's Well Holy well · Dromore (Duhallow By.), Co. Cork
According to Berry (1905, 36), OS Name Books list an 'Aunia's Well, formerly resorted to for cures'; he speculates this is probably 'Tobar-na-Faithnidhe (fauny), the well of the warts' (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Brigid's Well Holy well · Kilbrogan, Co. Cork
Resorted to principally as cure for sore eyes; also called "Brigid's Well".
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Inghean Bhuidhe's Well Holy well · Dromtarriff, Co. Cork
Tree 3m to W has coins inserted in trunk and rags tied to branches; Bowman (1934, 349) noted three trees with large mound of stones at base of one.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Mary's Well Holy well · Walshestown (Muskerry East By.), Co. Cork
According to local information, rounds made to cure toothaches, earaches and other "affectations of the head"; according to tradition a trout has been seen in N well (Mary's well) and an eel in S well (Sunday's well) (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Newtown South, Co. Cork
Local tradition that well moved to here from its original site at Crannavella Tree (14044) c. 1.4km to SW following use of well water for washing.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Benjamin's Well Holy well · Gortnagark (Duhallow By.), Co. Cork
Reeves (1858, 274) described the well overhung with an 'old thorn tree covered with rags'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bernard's Well Holy well · Doonawanly, Co. Cork
Collapsing corrugated iron shelter to NNE holds pictures, votive offerings and cups; rags tied to tree and nearby bush; still in holy.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Mountbridget, Co. Cork
Shallow depression, defined by stone walling on N side and by cliff face to W and S. Canopy of bushes overhead tied with rags; several small statues left beside well by pilgrims.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Well Holy well · Poulavare, Co. Cork
The well is described by Reeves (1858, 274) as 'cased inside with blocks of oak, about three feet deep, rudely squared...believed to have been formerly lined with lead.' Photograph taken in 1907 (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, 264) shows a low square drystone…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobercrone Holy well · An Tearmann, Co. Donegal
Both the turas and St. Crone’s healing stone possess numerous clients down to the present day’ (Maguire 1920, 222).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ballyboghil Church Ancient church · Ballyboghil, Co. Dublin
Gabriell Etheridge, clarke, is curate, who hath the small tythes, being worthe v libri per annum, for serving the cure.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady Well Holy well · Feltrim, Co. Dublin
Folklore collected from Kinsealy School recorded the following details; 'The well at Feltrim is situated in a field inside an iron gate on the road that leads to Swords.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Spout Holy well · Howth, Co. Dublin
It is said to come from a holy well, dedicated to Our Lady, in the abbey grounds, The water cures sore eyes'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Doolagh's Well Holy well · Saintdoolaghs, Co. Dublin
The Latin inscription roughly translates as; 'Another may bring out the bright pools of Solymus, And the healing people shall throw the Hebrew waters, Grateful to the God of the country, Fingalia celebrates the spring of Doulachi, the gifts obtained by the…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Brideswell Commons, Co. Dublin
Still visited, especially for the cure of sore eyes.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Catherine's Well Holy well · , Co. Dublin
The water was used to cure sore eyes and toothache (Anon. 1928, 159-161; Ó Danachair 1958, 233).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Mary's Well Holy well · Tobertown, Co. Dublin
Folklore collected in 1934 from Balscadden National School recorded the following beliefs about St Mary's Well; 'Situated in centre of very ancient graveyard beside this school.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Werburgh's Well Holy well · Crowscastle, Co. Dublin
There was a local tradition that its water cures sore eyes but by the 1950s was no longer venerated (Ó Danachair 1958, 81).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Loughrea, Co. Galway
According to local information, the well was used as a cure for sore eyes and rags were tied to a hawthorn bush its E; the latter has since been removed.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Timsallagh Or Spring Grove, Co. Galway
No votive offerings were visible but according to local information, the well was formerly used for ‘cures’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Dima's Well Holy well · Killeenadeema East, Co. Galway
People would visit it especially in August and September and, according to tradition, the water of the well helped cure rheumatism.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobar Muire Holy well · Kingstown Glebe Or Ballymaconry, Co. Galway
Just above the seashore overlooking Corrán, a sheltered bay to W. Known locally as Tobar Muire, it consists of a small natural spring with a lintelled-over drystone surround opening towards W. A number of modern offerings are visible.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Brosna Old Church Ancient church · Brosna West, Co. Kerry
Reservation to him, who has received papal dispensation as the son of an unmarried man and an unmarried woman to be promoted to all orders and hold a benefice even with cure’ (Cal. papal letters, 109).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilflynn Church Ancient church · Ballyconnell, Co. Kerry
St. Flann is said to have bestowed on the well the power to cure blindness.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilsarkan Church Ancient church · Kilsarkan East, Co. Kerry
These are probably deposited as offerings having been used for rubbings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Knockanure Church Ancient church · Lissaniska (Iraghticonnor By.), Co. Kerry
In 1435 a papal letter recorded the following details about the joining of the churches of Murher (KE006-015----) and Knockanure; 'Mandate to collate and assign to Dermit Oscanlayn [O'Scanlon], canon of Ardfert (who was lately dispensed by papal authority, as…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Murhur Church Ancient church · Murher, Co. Kerry
In 1435 a papal letter recorded the following details about the joining of the churches of Murher and Knockanure (KE011-022----); 'Mandate to collate and assign to Dermit Oscanlayn [O'Scanlon], canon of Ardfert who was lately dispensed by papal authority, as…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Macadaw's Well Holy well · Glenderry, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: According to local tradition, rounds at this well may be made by members of the Corridan family only, to whom the right of burial in the nearby church ruin (KE013-023001-) is also reserved.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Well Holy well · Killarney, Co. Kerry
A commemorative plaque at the well reads: 'St. Mary's Well, a place of pilgrimage since 1302, reputed for baptisms and cures over long years'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Moling's Well Holy well · Brosna West, Co. Kerry
The water from the well is said to cure eye complaints.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobarín Mhuire Holy well · Ardea, Co. Kerry
O'Connell recorded this spring well as a holy well known as 'Tobarín Mhuire' and noted that its water cured ills, particularly toothache (KAS).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobereleesh Holy well · Knoppoge (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Marked on the 1840-41 and 1914 OS maps as 'Tobereleesh' (Tobar Eilís - well of Eilís), this well is known locally as Knoppoge well, St Brigid's well and Tobar an Leighis (well of the healing).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Duagh (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: The well is still visited, especially on the Saturday before May Day.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Cinn Aird Thiar (Tc Cinn Aird), Co. Kerry
Small objects are left as offerings; there usually are fresh flowers in small vases or jars.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Kilclogherane, Co. Kerry
Cooke (1906, 10) noted 'an old hawthorn-tree, surrounded by bushes, brambles and ferns' in the immediate vicinity of Tobermurry and a local person recalls that up to the 1960s pieces of black cloth, rosary beads and crosses, made from a nearby bush, hung…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernasool Holy well · Glandahalin East, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: This well is still visited, especially on the Saturdays before May Day, Midsummer and Michaelmas.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Hartwell Lower, Co. Kildare
Though a strong flow of water boils up in it, yet from its position by the side of a gripe, it would require a native of the locality to point it out.' Jackson (1979-80, 161) says the well was visited for toothache and earache cures and tokens were left at it.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Riverstown, Co. Kildare
A stone with indentations beside the well is said to be the imprints of the saint’s knees.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Patrick's Well Holy well · Belan, Co. Kildare
Jackson records the belief that St. Patrick baptised people at this well, but that there was no tradition of cures or patterns associated with it (1979-80, 151).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Newtown (Shea), Co. Kilkenny
It is still held in veneration but not visited for cures or devotion’ (O’Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 59 (20)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernadaun Holy well · Pottlerath, Co. Kilkenny
According to Holahan (1883, 107-8), 'It is said that many miraculous cures have been effected from time immemorial at the holy well called Tobernadaun, near Kilmanagh'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Fintan's Well Holy well · Clonenagh, Co. Laois
In some cavities in the trunk, water is said to be at all times found, in which healing properties are ascribed (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 298).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Patrick's Well Holy well · Kilfeacle, Co. Laois
A subcircular area (D 0.5m, Wth 0.8m N-S x 1m E-W) enclosed by a modern stone wall at N, E and S with slab to knee on at entrance at W. According to local information it was thought that the water from it could heal only sight ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tober Patrick Holy well · Drumoghty More, Co. Leitrim
A tree at the well, probably the ash tree immediately to the S, served as a rag-tree in the 1930s, although there is no evidence of this in 2003.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 - 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 - Lady Well Holy well · Templetown, Co. Louth
Various references to traditions and legends are mentioned in the IFC Schools MSS (vol. 658-9), including one which noted that the waters rise on Lady's Day (IFC Schools MSS 659, 171-2) and another that the water can cure sore hands and eyes (IFC Schools MSS…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Brigid's Well Holy well · Faughart Upper, Co. Louth
There is a tradition that a skull lay beside the well and that people drank from it to cure headaches (IFC Schools MSS 660, 340).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Mairead's well Holy well · Toberdoney, Co. Louth
Believed to have cured sore eyes (Irish Folklore Commission Schools' Manuscripts 669, 2).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Derivla's Well Holy well · Inis Gé Theas, Co. Mayo
According to local information, water from the well is traditionally said to have curative properties for sore eyes (pers. comm. Kea Lavelle, 2021).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberarraght Holy well · Lurga Lower, Co. Mayo
The well is dedicated to St. Attracta, and the traditional pattern day is on 11th August (OS Letters 1838, 375 (154)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberfelabride Holy well · Capnagower, Co. Mayo
Westropp (1911a, 25, also 17) notes that although the well is dedicated to the feast of St Bridget, the pattern day was traditionally held on 15 August.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Anne's Well Holy well · Ballyheashill, Co. Offaly
According to the landowner the local tradition is to take some water from the well along with a small piece or splinter of the bog oak timber.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Garrycastle, Co. Offaly
In order to obtain a cure for your headache the custom at All Saint's Well was for people to visit the well on three successive days (Logan 1980, 78).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Manchan's Church Ancient church · Lemanaghan, Co. Offaly
The Christian legend of Margaret’s martyrdom recalls how she battled the Devil in the form of a fire-breathing dragon who swallowed her whole while she was on her knees praying and making the sign of the Cross upon her breast.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Cloonmurly, Co. Roscommon
Traditionally this well appeared when a notorious landlord, George Ormsby, attempted to cure an injured dog at Tobernagreghta well (RO040-016----) c. 65m to the W, from whence it moved in disgust to this location (O'Flanagan 1931, vol. 1, 53).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Cartron (Athlone South By., Athlone West Rural Ed), Co. Roscommon
A natural spring in limestone outcrop is known locally as St Bridget's Well and was renowned for a cure of warts, but it was deepened on several occasions and is now visible as a slight hollow, but there is no evidence of veneration.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberelva Holy well · Toberelva, Co. Roscommon
The well is listed in the Register of Clonmacnoise (O'Donovan 1856-7, 451), and the well had an eye cure (Gormley 1989, 61).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobergal Holy well · Derrygareen, Co. Tipperary
Folklore collected between 1937-8 from Lackamore National School recorded the following tradition about this well; 'Tradition has little to say on this Holy Well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernacally Holy well · Kildanoge, Co. Tipperary
Power (1908, 17) translated 'Tobernacally' as 'The Hag's (or Nun's) Well' and 'according to local belief a cross is sometimes seen to shine in the water'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Declan's Well Holy well · Monalummery, Co. Waterford
Traditionally, it is thought to cure skin disorders, particularly ringworm.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Brigid's Well Holy well · Ballynacarrow (Moygoish By.), Co. Westmeath
The local folklore in the Schools' Collection (1937-1939) recorded that the 'local patron saint of this parish is Saint Mathew.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Eaumas's Well Holy well · Glebe (Farbill By.), Co. Westmeath
Folklore collected from Castlepollard School recorded the following details about St Mignas/Meehan's Well; 'St Meehans well is pointed out in Glon and the Saint's sister's well is in a stone quarry on the apex of a neighbouring hill chiselled in a solid rock…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bigseach's Well Holy well · Ballynacroghy Or Gallowstown, Co. Westmeath
Holy well described by Bradley (1985, 110) as follows; 'The ground here is marshy and the well is marked by a wooden sign and thorn bushes on which two rags were tied at the time of our visit.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Agatha's Well Holy well · Shelbaggan, Co. Wexford
It is known locally to have a cure for warts, and offerings were present until c. 1960, but it is now disused.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Davids Well (site of) Holy well · Ballynaslaney, Co. Wexford
The pattern was revived in 1910 when some remarkable cures were recorded and it is still held on the 1st February.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Helen's Well Holy well · Killillane, Co. Wexford
According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 this holy well was frequented for the cure of sore eyes, but he does not provide the date of a pattern (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 270-1).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Vauk's Well Holy well · St. Vogue'S, Co. Wexford
According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 the pattern was held on January 20 (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 297), which is the feast day of St. Féichín, one of the most mythologised of the Irish saints (Ó Riain 2011, 309-11) but the likely patron of the church…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Winifred's Well Holy well · Tarahill, Co. Wexford
This 7th century Welsh saint is associated with the healing power of springs and her feastday is celebrated on the 2nd of November (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winefride).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballymacahara, Co. Wicklow
It is still resorted to for the cure of pains in the limbs, bowels, etc., and the briars and thorns over it exhibit in tolerable abundance the raggy offerings of its votaries’ (O’Flanagan 1928, 248).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballymanus Upper, Co. Wicklow
According to Lynch (1994, 640) the water was used as a cure for colds, and was never used for household purposes and there was a hawthorn bush at the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Rock Big, Co. Wicklow
Site of St. Patrick's Well (WI045-007----) 210m to the SE. The well has dried up since the quarry opened, and the site is now occupied by a Marian shrine (10/10/1954) and a hawthorn on which offerings are suspended in May.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Catherine's Well Holy well · Killadreenan, Co. Wicklow
The well had been frequented for the cure of many ailments, and offerings were left at the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact