Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Holy well described by Ó Danachair as following; 'Lady's Well on 1840 map. The well is now enclosed in a concrete tank, overflowing into a basin. Two boulders, said to bear the marks of Our Lady's hands, are shown as the former site of the well. "This well is called Lady Well. It is said to possess healing virtues. There is a pattern held here on the 15th August at which people assemble from all parts". OSNB. The pattern was discontinued about 1880, but the 15th of August is still a day. of devotion, and the well is decorated with statues, flowers and lighted candles. The water cures sore eyes. Rounds are also made at other times. Legends: The well moved across the river when profaned by washing clothes in it; it was brought back by the prayers of a holy priest. A man caught the trout which lived in the well; he died in the lunatic asylum' (Ó Danachair 1955, 210).

See attached photo taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00421 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24511.

Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 1 October 2020

References

OSNB - Ordnance Survey Name Books. Pro-forma books arranged by Civil Parish for recording townland and other name-forms and compiled in the course of the OS 6-inch survey 1824-1841. The name books also include minor names and incidental references to antiquities. National Archives of Ireland.

Ó Danachair, C. 1955 The holy wells of Co. Limerick. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 193-217.