Brides Well

Described as 'Bride's Well' on the 1839 and 1940 eds of the OS 6-inch map, a pattern was held there until c. 1800, according to John O'Donovan c. 1840 (O'Flanagan 1933, 238). It is situated on a gentle N-facing slope at the source of a small stream that runs off to the WNW to join the E-W Mine River, c. 800m distant. A stone called St Bride's track and shaped like a shovel blade and socket (dims. 0.4m x 0.2-0.33m; max. H 0.14m) may have served as a flume directiing a small flow of water. There is a conjoined circular hut-site (WX005-038002-) nearby. Archaeological excavation (00E0801) uncovered a lintelled stream leading into and out of one of the structures which was unroofed. The other chamber was corbelled but collapsed at some point while the other continued in use. Glass and pottery indicate the building and use of the structures in the 17th or 18th century. Brideswell burial ground (WX005-039----) is c. 140m to the SE. (Gregory 2003) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 1 March, 2012

Linked to Saint Bridget (Brigid), the well is associated with traditional spring festivals and healing rituals, reflecting the broader Celtic tradition of venerating water sites connected to the saint. The pattern (festival) held there until around 1800 suggests a long-standing local devotion to Brigid, particularly in the springtime.