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Indicated — Dromard

Holy well

Why this matters

The holy wells at Dromard are dedicated to St. Patrick and St. Brigid, reflecting their widespread veneration in early Christian Ireland. Traditionally, such wells were associated with healing and fertility, with patterns or pilgrimages often held to mark seasonal or religious festivals.

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What is recorded here

Situated within a hollow at the base of a steep N-facing ridge are two adjoining holy wells dedicated to St. Patrick and St. Brigid respectively, within a small, square walled enclosure (dim. 11m). Patterns are still held here annually on June 29th. The larger well is dedicated to St. Patrick (SL019-151001-). Appended to its W side is this well, which according to tradition is dedicated to 'St. Brigid's'. It comprises a small subrectangular pool (dims. 0.8m x 0.6m) defined on S side by a semicircular stone wall and roofed by a massive slab (dims. 1.9m x 1.4m) known as 'St. Brigid's Flag' which bears numerous crudely inscribed crosses (SL019-151003-). A series of stone steps on the N side leads down to the water level. Built into the enclosure wall, a short distance SW of the wells, is a crucifixion plaque (SL019-151004-). Also within the enclosure is a plain rectangular stone altar (SL019-151005-). A third well, which was used by penitents for washing their feet before and after undertaking the patterns, is located 1.7m N of the enclosure. Attached image (SL019-151002-_01) shows semicircular well, roofed with cross-inscribed stone (SL019-151003-), viewed from W Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan Date of upload: 19 January 2011
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