St Bridgets Well

Ó Danachair (1955, 215-6) recorded the following details about this holy well; 'St Bridget's Well' local name. This well was first noted by O'Kelly, North Munster Antiquarian Journal, 1944, 17. "Dedicated to St Bridget. Devotion to it has ceased but was revived in 1940 on St Bridget's Day. Original ritual is not known. The well is badly kept and is much damaged by cattle". Not on maps. Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'. The following folklore was recorded from Hospital National School about St. Bridget’s Well; 'St. Brigids Well is situated to the west of the village of Kilteely. It removed because a child was washed in it. It is famous for curing styes' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0514, Page 360; accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922064/4849135/5011166?ChapterID=4922064) . See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00422 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17071 and F025.21.00423 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/ga/cbeg/24509. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 1 October 2020

Dedicated to St Brigid, the well is associated with her widespread veneration in Ireland, particularly for its healing properties and as a site for rituals such as washing in the water for physical or spiritual cure. St Brigid's wells were often linked to fertility, protection, and the blessing of livestock, reflecting her role as a patron saint of agriculture and childbirth.