Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Ó Danachair (1955, 207) recorded the following details about this holy well; 'St Molua's Well on 1840 map. A clear spring in an open field 250 yards east of Emlygrennan church (ruined). A circular wall about the well, and a life size statue of the saint have recently been erected. This is probably the best known well in Co. Limerick. It is still often visited, especially around the saint's day, 3rd-4th August. A large pattern was held formerly. Rounds are made partly at the well, where there is a rounds-path, and partly in the churchyard, where there is a second rounds-path; this has two upright slabs (apparently ancient) which are used as "marking stones". Usually three visits are made on different days; at each visit the pilgrim makes six rounds at the well and three rounds in the graveyard. Water is drunk at each round at the well. Small religious objects are left as offerings at the well; formerly rags were hung on the bushes in the graveyard. The water cures sore eyes, skin disease and ague. The Metrical Dindshenchus (Todd Lecture Series X, p. 230) may refer to this well; it is interesting to note that this poem tells that a circuit of the well made deiseal brings blessing while one made tuathal brings a curse. Legends: The well moved when clothes were washed in it; the old site is still shown. A trout in the well is seen by those whose cure is assured. The water will not boil. Heavenly music was heard at the well. A woman who took water for profane use saw a human hand in the well'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 03 July 2019

References

Ó Danachair, C. 1955 The Holy Wells of County Limerick Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 85, 193-217