Holy Well

In pasture at the base of a partly wooded rocky incline which rises to W and NW. Indicated and labelled ‘Holy Well’ on both the first edition (1842) and later, Cassini edition (1920) of the OS 6-inch map. This holy well comprises a small, subcircular, walled enclosure (diams. 1.3m ENE-WSW; 1m NNW-SSE), the interior of which, while almost dry during an inspection in August 1999, is fed by springs on higher ground to W and NW. A small stream flows SE from the well. Integrated into the NE side of the well’s enclosing wall is a natural limestone block (L 1.9m; Wth 0.9m; H c. 0.88m) on which a finely carved upright cross (H 0.48m; Wth 0.4m; T 0.2m) has been cemented facing S (see Houlihan 2021). The cross may be part of a termon that stood at the entrance to a graveyard (CL010-038003-) enclosing a medieval church (CL010-038002-) dedicated to Saint Columbcille, located c. 380 to the SSE (ibid.). During an inspection in 1999, a local source recounted that there was supposed to be a holy tree near the holy well, and that there had formerly been a cairn there, with visits to the place usually involving pilgrims walking around the blessed tree and across to the well. Another former local resident who grew up nearby in the 1960-70s recalled this well as a main source of drinking water, and also as a place to which cows were herded for water (ibid.). Small numbers of pilgrims are reported to still visit (ibid.). There are three fulachtaí fia nearby to the S, c. 20m (CL010-037002-), c. 40m (CL010-037003-) and c. 53m (CL010-037004-) away respectively. Reference Houlihan, M. 2021 Glencolumbkille South Holy Well, likely once known as Tober Colmcille, Carran. The Clare Holy Wells Project. Available @ Glencolumbkille South Holy Well, likely once known as Tober Colmcille, Carran - County Clare Heritage Office (accessed 9-2-2023) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 9 February 2023

is associated with Saint Columba (Columbkille), after whom the valley is named, and is traditionally linked to healing rituals, particularly for ailments of the eyes and general wellness. The well’s long-standing recognition on official maps suggests a continuity of veneration from early Christian times.