Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

St. Fintan's Well in the parish of Howth now lies within the garden of a private residence. This is a natural spring enclosed by a rough, dry-stone built, structure. Tradition records that water from the well cures sore eyes and stomach disorders (Ó Danachair 1958, 77). It is still venerated.
Folklore collected from Howth School recorded the following tradition about St. Fintan's Well; 'St Fintan's Well, sometimes called "The Wishing Well". This well is situated in a field belonging to Mr Davidson at Sutton side of Howth hill; it is just off the main road from Sutton to Howth Summit, and the right of way entrance to it crosses the hill tram line (G.N.R.). The corner of the field where the well is situated is fenced off from the rest of the land. The well is supposed to have been connected with St Fintan's Church or oratory, the ruins of which are in St Fintan's cemetery on the same road and nearly opposite the entrance to the Howth Golf Club.
The well is built of large stones, and the top is covered by blackberry bushes. A number of sycamore trees surround it; and there is a small path right round the well. The water is icy cold, even in very hot weather, and the well has never been known to dry up. The people of the surrounding district used this well constantly until quite recently. There used to be three wire arches over the well, to which were tied rags and ribbons, but only one of these arches now remains. A wooden door which covered the entrance has also disappeared. Rags and medals are still tied on the wire arch and on the bushes and fencing, and someone has placed a statue of the Sacred Heart over the well. There were never any processions or patterns held there, but people used to say "Three Hail Marys" in honour of St Fintan, drink some water, and walk round the well three times. The water was supposed to be good for all bodily ailments' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0792, Pages 1-2; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4498746/4385626/4510006).

See attached photos (04/05/06) taken by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F024.06.00060 accessible online at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31482, F024.06.00374 accessible online at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/16740 and F024.06.00376 accessible online at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/46725.

Compiled by: Geraldine Stout

Updated by: Christine Baker

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 19 April 2023

References

Ó Danachair, C. 1958 The holy wells of county Dublin. Reportorium Novum 2, 68-87; 2, No. 2 The holy wells of County Dublin: A supplementary list, 233-5.