tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416361680427442252024-03-12T16:41:15.314-07:00Holy WellFinding holy well sites in Ireland and recording both religious practice and lore.Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-61888551735167754062016-08-19T12:25:00.000-07:002016-08-19T12:28:30.954-07:00Saint Finbarr's Holy Well, Gougane Barra<br />
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<i>Gougane Barra</i></div>
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Right on the border with Kerry the River Lee makes its picturesque appearance surrounded by the shelter of high hills and steep slopes to emerge as the great river that takes many turns and floods into loughs and lakes and pools before it finally flows through the centre of Cork city and out to sea. The life of Finbarr has the same meandering quality with its twists and turns through historical reference, ecclesiastical politics and even recent folklore. Untangling all the threads is not an easy prospect and some have more recently suggested that almost nothing can be said of this saint, so enriched by the numerous layers and patina of successive myths. Some have even suggested that Finbarr is completely mythical in character with no historical basis other than a re-appropriation of the cult of Saint Finnian of Moville [Movilla] (on the outskirts of Newtownards) for the purposes of a new locale. If this is the case, then he is one and the same with Saint Finnian who began life on the west coast of Britain, who moved to Moville to become a renowned scholar, who had an association with Britain's earliest historian (Gildas) and who (according to Adomnán) instructed Saint Columba as a young man. So is Finbarr really Saint Finnian; one and the same person?</div>
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<i>The enclosure with central cross and cells at Gougane Barra</i></div>
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It is almost impossible to answer that question as so little of the ancient sources of the Life of Saint Finbarr survive. The issue is further complicated by ecclesiastical politics in a time of considerable church reform, involving the Bishop of Cork who was trying to regain his control of the Diocese of Ossory around 1200AD and whose predecessor had birthed the problem after the surprising loss of the diocese at the Kells-Mellifont synod of 1152. The Life document has an unusual obsession with Ossory sites and churches, linking them to the Diocese of Cork and fronting the saint as a uniting factor. It is possible to read the document in terms of a political tract and an attempt at re-uniting a diocese through a cult surrounding a local saint. The original written Life is lost and may only have been available in a written form as late as 1100. What we do have are a number of Life documents in which the hand of an editor or redactor can be seen and which have occupied scholars for many years. Rather than plough further into this issue and incur the wrath of the Rebel County, we shall instead take a look at Finbarr's holy well in the context of his Life document and in terms of the site and geography in which it resides and as we shall see, there may be some challenges to the idea that Finbarr is Saint Finnian in a new wrapping!</div>
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<i>Interior of the nineteenth century church</i></div>
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Finbarr is said to have been born around 550AD near the town of Bandon in County Cork and to have studied in Ossory. On taking the tonsure, the monk cutting his hair is said to have remarked that his hair was very fair and Finbarr was the name given to him and may be a play on words for 'fair headed'. He then takes a journey to Rome with a number of other monks, stopping on his return to receive further instruction from Saint David in Wales. On returning to Ireland he lived a solitary life on a small island in Gougane Barra, before moving from here to live a settled life for a period in the Great Marsh of Munster (now Cork city). Here he gathered a band of monks to form a community and built a church which is now Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. From here he appears to have travelled through County Cork to collect various saintly relics, almost as a tribute to the establishment of the churches in the Great Marsh of Munster (now a collection of small churches and not only one). It is in the process of one of these journeys that he falls ill, receives the Eucharist from the hand of Fiama and dies the same day. His remains were returned to Cork and he was buried in the churchyard. His grave today is incorporated into the ambulatory of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, topped with a large inscribed flagstone directly behind the high altar.</div>
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<i>Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork city (image courtesy of the cathedral website)</i></div>
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The Life document of Finbarr is as remarkable as any other document of its type and time. It is full of stories of miraculous beginnings, of words spoken from the womb, miraculous healings of the deaf, the dumb and the blind and even stories of resurrection by the sprinkling of holy water from a well. The saint is also said to have had the touch of God and as a result his permanently glowing hand had to be forever kept in a glove. On the day of his death the monks prayed to have a little while longer with him and through their intercession the sun did not set for twelve days before his death! Today he is the patron saint of the city of Cork with a grand cathedral in a French Gothic style with its famous trumpeting angel of judgement on the roof of the sanctuary. You can see a fine carving of Finbarr as a Bishop high in the nook of Ireland's tallest cathedra in the cathedral chancel, with a relief of his face carved in the side. A considerable number of saints arose from his foundations and the establishment of the city of Cork owes much to his memory and influence. But it isn't only in Ireland that Finbarr makes a mysterious appearance and this may form part of a rejection of the idea that he is merely a local reincarnation of Finnian. Saint Finbarr appears in a number of places throughout Scotland and local tradition about the saintly dedications claim to have their root in Ireland. The most notable of these is on the island of Barra which sports an ancient church ruin dedicated in his name. We also know that some Scottish breviary had a liturgical form of the Life document incorporated into them, the only surviving one being the Breviary of Aberdeen (1509AD).</div>
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<i>Cross inscribed slabs in the cells, inscribed by modern pilgrims.</i></div>
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Personally I would lean more heavily to the idea of Saint Finbarr as a historical figure in reality and not a re-appropriated saint for a local people. While there isn't much sure evidence of this, I find the argument that the Life document has a commonality with the history of Saint Finnian to be somewhat unconvincing and I would place more trust in the oral tradition than most would probably dare. Finbarr's Life has undoubtedly been appropriated for various means throughout time, but for me the sheer strength of his cult and its geographical spread hint at a real historical figure.</div>
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<i>Inscription on the plaque of the central cross in the enclosure.</i></div>
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Gougane Barra, where Finbarr spent time in isolation, is a very beautiful and peaceful place. The island is quite small, but the site is well protected from the elements and is frequently visited. It has a tiny nineteenth century church that today is very popular as a venue for weddings. A square enclosure houses a number of cell structures and a large cross in the middle proclaims that one is the original cell of Saint Finbarr. In reality the whole structure is an early eighteenth century reconstruction by a priest called Fr Denis O'Mahony who retreated to the island and spent a considerable amount of time there. It is quite possible however, that some manner of cell structure existed here whether connected directly to Saint Finbarr or not and it has been reincorporated into the present enclosure. During the worst of the penal times the island became deeply significant for Roman Catholics as a place where mass could be celebrated in peace and without the threat of repercussion. </div>
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<i>Saint Finbarr's Holy Well.</i></div>
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The holy well is still visited, although these days mainly by tourists who throw coins into it despite the signs that ask them not to. It is a basic square stone structure right on the side of the lake, topped by a large flat stone and a mound of grassy earth. Local legend has it that when Finbarr arrived at Gougane Barra a great serpent lived in the waters of the lake and he cast it out. As it fled the scene its great bulk carved a channel in the earth all the way to the sea, thus creating the River Lee. It is best to visit the site early in the morning or late in the evening as it can become very thronged with tourists and very noisy with wedding parties. The Saint Finbarr Pilgrim Way is also a good way to visit the well and site. It has been recently revived and takes place each year on the saint's feast day (25th September) from Drimoleague to Gougane Barra; although you can walk the trail at any time of year. Gougane Barra also has a number of walks with many species of trees to see and beautiful scenery and some deer if you're lucky. It also boasts Ireland's top toilet!</div>
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<i>Ireland's top toilet!</i></div>
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He was the clear well through which the sins of all the people entrusted to his care by God were washed clean by the purity of his teaching.</div>
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<i>Portion from the early vernacular Life </i></div>
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<i>(transl. by Pádraig Ó'Riain, Irish Texts Society).</i></div>
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<i>The view from the causeway to the island.</i></div>
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How to find it.</div>
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From Cork, the easiest route is to go out the N22 taking the R584 (to the left). Follow this road out until you see signs for Gougane Barra. It is quite a journey on a winding country road. On arrival at the site walk down the lake edge towards the causeway out to the island. the holy well is on the right at the start of the causeway. The enclosure of cells and the church are all on the island.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-91902922952258502612014-09-29T06:22:00.002-07:002014-09-29T06:22:17.162-07:00Saint Maolcethair's Well, Kilmalkedar.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Kilmalkedar monastic site</i></div>
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Legend holds that this church and site was built by Saint Maolcethair (Maol Céadair or Maol Céaltair) and Saint Brendan some time in the mid to late 500's. It is a beautiful site that lies in peaceful repose at the foot of Mount Brandon on the Dingle peninsula not far from the Reasc settlement. In fact, this is where the newly signposted route for the turas, or pattern, begins which normally takes place on the 29th June. The feast day of Saint Maolcethair is 14th May. </div>
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<i>A Tau cross with an inscribed Latin cross</i></div>
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The site is littered with all manner of antiquities, including ancient crosses (including one that looks like it may be an unfinished decorated cross), ballaun stones, an old sun dial, some collapsed underground passages, a church and a number of grave slabs and ogham stones. The church itself is an ancient foundation with a twelfth century nave attached. The original church looks somewhat similar to the nearby Brendan's Oratory, but parallels have also been drawn with Cormac's Chapel in Cashel. </div>
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<i>The Alphabet Stone (Latin inscription on the left hand side)</i></div>
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The church houses a small cross and a large grave slab with a Latin inscription down the left hand side. It is thought that the first three letters represent the word 'Domini'. The ruins are an impressive size, but the original church would have been considerably smaller. The chancel and sanctuary were added in the twelfth century. The church is a good example of the Romanesque style, with an impressive doorway and a number of carved heads that have been reasonably well preserved.</div>
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<i>The sun dial</i></div>
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Despite his lengthy and impressive genealogical lineage, very little is known of Maolcethair. He was originally from Ulster and the martyrology of Donegal lists his date of death as 636 AD and his lineage stemming from a previously unknown or unlisted Ulster King. Only one small fragment of story exists about his arrival in the area. On arrival from Ulster he undertook to settle the area and learnt of the ways and religious thoughts of the local people who believed in impersonal or ambivalent deities who inhabited the sea and the sky. His message of a single unified and personal God was apparently well received! His name is slightly peculiar in that it is thought to be a pun relating to the cross of Christ. A legend tells of the cross of Jesus been hewn from a cedar tree and Maolcethair's name incorporates the Irish word for 'cedar'. It may - at a stretch - explain the preponderance of crosses on the site!</div>
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<i>The well</i></div>
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The holy well is across the road, opposite the monastic site. In the middle ages this site was quite considerable, and wealthy too, being subject to the papal tax. A two-story stone late medieval dwelling was erected (possibly to house clergy and monks) and the well has been incorporated into the side wall at the very front of the house. It has a good flow and runs off through a stone carved channel into an underground culvert with worn stone steps leading down to it. It would appear that some of the original structure of the well has been preserved or re-used when the house was built.</div>
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<i>The ogham stone</i></div>
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Almighty God, who in the passion of your blessed Son made an instrument of painful death to be for us the means of life and peace; grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer for his sake; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.</div>
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<i>Detail of the Romanesque doorway</i></div>
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How to find it: The site is very clearly signposted from the ring of Dingle around the peninsula. It lies at the foot of Mount Brandon and is the starting point for the trek up to the top of the mountain. The holy well is at the left hand corner of the ruined house across the road from the site.</div>
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<i>A view out over the mountains in Dingle.</i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-37319786730896247752014-05-02T03:58:00.000-07:002014-05-02T03:58:51.170-07:00Saint Scire's Well, Kilskyre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXO6shqxO_U/U2NktXKiWhI/AAAAAAAABUo/qNC63SU1cdg/s1600/DSCF8864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXO6shqxO_U/U2NktXKiWhI/AAAAAAAABUo/qNC63SU1cdg/s1600/DSCF8864.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The plaque at the holy well</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kilskyre is a sleepy little village in Meath close to the town of Kells whose history is anything but sleepy. The village grew up around a site settled by the female Saint Scire of the lineage of the Uí Choacháin and most notably the daughter of Saint Cuman. Cuman was the sister of Broicseach (the mother of Saint Brigid of Kildare). Saint Cuman's own church settlement was in County Kilkenny and the church was dedicated to Saint Brigid. There is an ancient story that tells of Cuman meeting Saint Patrick when she was pregnant with her first child. Patrick blessed Cuman with his crozier or tau, and the imprint of the cross was said to have remained forever emblazoned on her forehead. At the same time, Patrick prophesied that Cuman would give birth to forty-five saints, both male and female. Her first born child became the Bishop of Aghanagh and many of the subsequent children were associated with the churches and religious settlements of north Cannacht. Saint Scire on the other hand is closely associated with this particular area of Meath and her settlement formed part of the extensive property linked to the monastic settlement at Kells. The parish revenue of rents and tithes and the crozier of Saint Scire are listed as the guarantors in the charter of the Book of Kells. There is a second church that was possibly part of the settlement of Saint Scire in Kilskeery glebe in County Tyrone, but her feast day is not observed in Tyrone. There is some evidence of a link to the north though, particularly in the documented Life of Forannán of Alternan, which tells of the gathering of Saint Cuman's children by Colum Cille for a special assembly (possibly close to Sligo). In Kilskyre, Saint Scire was locally remembered on 28th September, but her actual feast day as appointed in the ancient martyrologies is fixed on 24th March. A very early Irish litany invokes her name along with many other female saints of whom little is known.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyAn_cIRRIE/U2Nt1KI3omI/AAAAAAAABU4/OZN3aqY9B84/s1600/DSCF8861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyAn_cIRRIE/U2Nt1KI3omI/AAAAAAAABU4/OZN3aqY9B84/s1600/DSCF8861.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Alphonsus' Church</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the period of Saint Scire the settlement seems to have enjoyed a time of relative peace and security and Scire herself was renowned as holy woman well practiced at fasting and penance. But part of this fame was due to Saint Scire's impressive lineage, not least the link to one of Saint Cuman's sons who later became High King at Tara, but the peace was not to last. Saint Scire's settlement seems to have later formed part of a union of three settlements of Diamor, Clonabraney and Kilskyre and was to become famous as a place of great learning and high scholarship. These were not the first settlements in the area though; Kilskyre itself has a rich heritage that predates its Christian occupation, having many passage tombs and standing stones which are indicators of a more ancient presence in the area. The Kilskyre site is opposite the present church and retains its round inner wall (none of the outer circular walls remain - if there were any). Inside there is a former Church of Ireland parish that restored the ruin of the original church, a base of a round tower and some ancient tombs with interesting carvings of figures with palms facing forwards. The peace and prosperity of the settlement was shattered by the Danes who plundered it in 949AD and then subsequently plundered it twice in quick succession. The King of Leinster sacked the settlement and another English invasion took place in 1170AD. Since that time the ownership of the area transferred through many hands and by the time the church on the settlement was restored by the Anglicans in the late 1500's it had already been lying in ruins for many years. It was not to flourish though, and gradually went into decline before finally closing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saint Alphonsus' Church was designed by J.J.McCarthy in 1870, restored extensively in 1999 at very considerable cost and a new window by a Dublin stained glass artist was installed more recently (2003) to commemorate the death of Patrick Aranyos in the Twin Towers in 1999. The stained glass window was funded by his mother. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JxDTf_qYkw/U2NzdbLTxtI/AAAAAAAABVI/-E8H-6qVRM0/s1600/window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JxDTf_qYkw/U2NzdbLTxtI/AAAAAAAABVI/-E8H-6qVRM0/s1600/window.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The stained glass window dedicated to Patrick Aranyos</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The holy well at Kilskyre is one of three possible contenders. In the 1830's there is a listing of three wells surrounding the site of Saint Scire which were said to be able to cure any disease; one dedicated to the saint that lay south of the settlement, one called 'The Well Of The Miracles' and another called 'The Well Of The Heavenly Stone'. Dr P. Branagan tried to identify all three wells in 1970 in Riocht na Midhe, but one of the contenders to be Saint Scire's well had already dried up and been filled in before 1970. The other well that Dr Branagan identified was in Clonabraney, opposite the graveyard, but this today is dedicated to Saint Kevin. It is very likely that the current well dedicated to Saint Scire in Kiliskyre is in fact the correct one, also identified as such in John O'Donovan's mapping of the area in 1836. In 2008 the group 'Pride of Place' and a local historical society provided the funding to restore the well. It now has a large iron gate, a faux beehive structure with a gothic arch and a low perimeter wall. On the whole, it is a sympathetic restoration that will preserve the site for many years to come.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0r9VFSgGuQ/U2N13dJfiqI/AAAAAAAABVU/IXAH8yHZjDQ/s1600/DSCF8862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0r9VFSgGuQ/U2N13dJfiqI/AAAAAAAABVU/IXAH8yHZjDQ/s1600/DSCF8862.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Scire's Holy Well</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My food, my ration,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my prayerful restraint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will not make me sinful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from eating.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A measure of dry bread,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
head bowed in thanksgiving,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
water from a pleasant slope</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that is all one could ask.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A bitter, meagre diet,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thoughtful attention to one's book,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a hand stayed from quarrelling and visiting,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a calm easy conscience.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessed sight to see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the saints pure of soul,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thin emaciated cheeks,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
skin weathered and lean.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christ the Son of God, come to me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my Creator my King,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my spirit seeks Him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the kingdom where He is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let this place shelter me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these holy walls,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a spot beautiful and sacred</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I there alone.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>An eighth century Irish poem.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNQkqrXoyBk/U2N4zj3ozGI/AAAAAAAABVg/OUeWl-E-3yI/s1600/DSCF8865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNQkqrXoyBk/U2N4zj3ozGI/AAAAAAAABVg/OUeWl-E-3yI/s1600/DSCF8865.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On entering the village of Kilskyre from the direction of Kells you will see the large church of St Alphonsus up ahead on the right hand side, but just before it is a turning to the left. Take this left and the holy well is only a short distance down this road on the right.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-69721737314996912222014-03-13T05:00:00.000-07:002014-03-13T05:00:39.030-07:00Saint Patrick's Well, Carlanstown, County Meath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9qRZe-AA1o/UyGMSeQDzjI/AAAAAAAABSg/sgYqKuP6tBA/s1600/DSCF8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9qRZe-AA1o/UyGMSeQDzjI/AAAAAAAABSg/sgYqKuP6tBA/s1600/DSCF8945.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The interior of the holy well</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The sleepy village of Carlanstown is located in north-west County Meath, cut through by the Moynalty River and surrounded by farmland. The settlement of this town has a long history, but the main bulk of settlement came when a bridge was erected over the river in the early nineteenth century. However it is the presence of the holy well and its unusual housing that suggests settlement from a very early date. The holy well itself is dedicated to Saint Patrick and it has a beehive structure built over it, thought to date from as early as the fifth century. This structure has earth laid up all around except for the entrance to the well, but the roof of the structure is kept clear of earth and weeds. It is a very unusual structure that seems to incorporate gothic arches that wouldn't be out of place in church or abbey. It appears that these have been added at a later date, perhaps after a collapse of the structure. Nevertheless, it holds a certain air of mystery. If these pointed gothic arches did come from a church or abbey, where exactly did they come from? The archaeology of this area is is pretty much non-existent, and despite considerable development of the village in the last decade, nothing has been uncovered in the earth. The only remaining possibility is that an early settlement may have been on the far side of the river; an area that is now farmland.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-kAa6Dun7s/UyGRp4Mv_NI/AAAAAAAABSw/f2n6XBDv1P0/s1600/DSCF8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-kAa6Dun7s/UyGRp4Mv_NI/AAAAAAAABSw/f2n6XBDv1P0/s1600/DSCF8940.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The granite dome over the well</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Local folklore has it that this well was blessed by Saint Patrick as he was making his journey from Meath to Cavan. Inside the well basin there is a worn, red flagstone where Patrick is said to have stubbed his toe! As it bled, the stone stained red with his blood and has remained this way ever since. To one side another stone has two small holes; one where Patrick placed his thumb and the other said to be the place where he put his big toe. Of Saint Patrick's activity in this area we know nothing, not even if he actually ever passed through this way, although the OS maps from the early 1800's do mark this well as 'St Patrick's Well'. A local village tale tells of a Tipperary man who used to attend the Carlanstown fair every year to buy and sell cattle. After missing the fairs for a year he was contacted by a local who asked why he had not been attending. He explained that at the last fair he had made a considerable sum by selling all of his cattle for twenty sovereigns which he had hidden in the wall of the holy well. When he returned at the end of the fair to collect his money he could not find it and had left, returning home destitute. For the last year he had turned his hand to new trades in an attempt to make a new living. The local suggested that he pray at the well for the return of his money and as he did he noticed a small stack of twenty sovereigns just where he had left them!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Local villagers have prayed and held services at this well on Saint Patrick's Day for many years and it was believed that if you washed your eyes in its waters you could be cured of blindness and diseases of the eyes. Water was also taken from the well every Saint Patrick's Day to cook food, which was believed to be a cure for every ailment and would ward off ill health for the rest of your life. Today the well is badly neglected, even the approach to the holy well is problematic. You have to cross through two fields and over barbed wire fences to get to it. When I asked local people of its exact location, only one person out of about ten was able to tell me. The entrance to the well was badly overgrown with weeds; so much so that you could not see into it. Earth seems to have been further piled up around its sides, hiding much of its structure. The beehive well housing is actually surrounded by four granite walls in a square with a triangular terminating flagstone pointing east. Only the triangular flagstone is visible today.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXFijo_Q814/UyGX8EMv0TI/AAAAAAAABTA/hXtK577Re_4/s1600/DSCF8942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXFijo_Q814/UyGX8EMv0TI/AAAAAAAABTA/hXtK577Re_4/s1600/DSCF8942.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The flagstone pointing east</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a well in a very rural area in a pleasant village with a large open main street. It's something of a shame that the holy well is so neglected, but it is mentioned in the village development plan (2008-2015), although not as a protected structure. It seems strange that the only piece of ancient archaeology in the village has no protection, while even hedgerows and trees are listed later in the documents as being afforded protection under the development scheme. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fs7b15jEDbQ/UyGZc0z9tdI/AAAAAAAABTM/C9rHGP_lA2g/s1600/DSCF8948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fs7b15jEDbQ/UyGZc0z9tdI/AAAAAAAABTM/C9rHGP_lA2g/s1600/DSCF8948.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A cleft in the dome of the well</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
County Meath has many wells dedicated to Saint Patrick, and oddly enough they do arrange in a line that is said to plot the journey of the saint and his followers. Whether Patrick was truly at Carlanstown or not, his influence is still strongly felt and at some point in the ancient past of this town, someone (or possibly some community) felt it was necessary to cut granite and form a fairly significant structure around this well. As to who did it will likely remain a mystery for many years to come.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
O well! which I have loved, which loved me;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alas! My cry, O dear God!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That my drink is not from the pure well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>A verse from the Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick </i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>after Patrick blesses the well at Uaran-garad.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_pj8PfD8Ps/UyGbp99cnCI/AAAAAAAABTY/VVOErX6Y_ZQ/s1600/DSCF8953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_pj8PfD8Ps/UyGbp99cnCI/AAAAAAAABTY/VVOErX6Y_ZQ/s1600/DSCF8953.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
How to find it:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Carlanstown is a small village not far from Kells on the N52. If you enter the village from the far end over the bridge, pass down through the Main Street and instead of following the right hand bend, go straight on so that the school is on your right. Opposite the school is a field. cross this and into the next field, following the hedgerow by turning left. The well is straight ahead.</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-78081247046264460442014-01-06T05:01:00.000-08:002014-01-06T05:01:03.304-08:00Saint Brigid’s Well, Liscannor, County Clare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejaJ6OvNR0/Usqhq9ZKb4I/AAAAAAAABQE/fXh7yLRsxhc/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejaJ6OvNR0/Usqhq9ZKb4I/AAAAAAAABQE/fXh7yLRsxhc/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The cliffs of Moher</i></div>
<br />
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There is a wildness in Clare like no other. It is not the
bitter and majestic wildness of County Kerry; it is instead a contained
wildness. Parts of it look relentlessly barren, but this Burren holds many
surprises and many places of beauty both small and vast. Any visitor making
their way up the winding roads towards the cliffs of Moher cannot fail to
notice a holy well dedicated to Brigid, one of Ireland’s most loved and
possibly most visited holy wells. This well has a long history and over time
has developed a complicated set of rounds or turas’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My journey began with a trip to the famous cliffs and I
stumbled on this well by accident. I knew of its presence in the area, but my
OS map, recently reprinted, oddly decided to leave out all holy well markings.
I passed Brigid’s shrine at speed, but couldn’t help but notice her solemn form
encased in glass keeping watch over a vista that looked down on small dotted
cottages and a small town. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Brigid</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The cliffs of Moher reach a maximum of 702 feet above the
roaring Atlantic, its name taken from a fort long gone. Twenty different
species of birds occupy this fearsome bastion of rock and its views are
certainly spectacular. Its wildness has been tamed by a somewhat ugly concrete
and stone structure to contain tourists, but it is possible to make the journey
along the cliffs where the structure dissolves into crumbling paths that give
way to more spectacular views. Away from this exposed magnificence, just a
short distance down the road is the little vale of trees that bow in solemn
reverence to Brigid’s well.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veiOgLL6ZCQ/UsqmKG99TmI/AAAAAAAABRM/CDge9CYSYVQ/s1600/DSCF9427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veiOgLL6ZCQ/UsqmKG99TmI/AAAAAAAABRM/CDge9CYSYVQ/s1600/DSCF9427.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The holy well entrance</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Brigid’s shrine is divided into two sections; the upper
sanctuary (Ula Uachtarach) and the lower sanctuary (Ula íochtarach). From the
road I pass through a small gap in the low wall into a courtyard area with a
large mound in the centre topped with a statue of Saint Brigid encased in glass
that sits like a great lantern in the centre with Brigid as its only flame.
Various pools are exposed in the circular round, indicating the presence of the
well and a white painted lintel brightly exposes the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a mysterious atmosphere as the
sun begins to fall low in the sky and the great cleft in the rock feels
curiously daunting. As I enter it is dark and uninviting and the smell of
dampness and its embracing coldness has a penitential feel. The walls are
dripping with prayer; the petitions for the sick, with expressions of
thanksgiving, wails of sorrow and grief and moments of hope. Planted at their
centre is a crucifix that looks hewn in hawthorn, worn down by burden and
incarnationally present amidst this mass of prayer and devotion. Passing down this
rock of ages a few small candles flicker towards the light rattle of water into
a trough. Here is the well, said to visited by a fish – an indication that this
well is truly ancient in its Christian tradition – the fish being a symbol of
Christianity that predates the cross. Passing down this cleft in rock is a
little like passing through time to a more ancient faith, to a purity of
prayerful expression. This vale of solace is a far cry from the exposure of the
cliffs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3kTGC4KvL0/Usqi-dec-hI/AAAAAAAABQc/0awypzE6-wM/s1600/DSCF9397_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3kTGC4KvL0/Usqi-dec-hI/AAAAAAAABQc/0awypzE6-wM/s1600/DSCF9397_2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Offerings at the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Pattern days are still observed at this well. There are four
in all: the eve of the feast of Saint Brigid, Garland Saturday and Sunday, the
last Sunday of July (and its Vigil – a harvest festival to ask blessings on the
crops and animals) and the feast of the Assumption in August. In the past great
gatherings of many hundreds of people took place here with people from all over
County Clare and the Aran Islands who covered the site in small flickering
candles as they prayed. The Rite of Saint Brigid at the well is still said
today, although in a slightly less demanding format. The pilgrim makes a
salutation to Christ, then Brigid and Mary (this is known as a ‘rann’, or ritual
verse), reciting numerous ‘Hail Mary’s’ and ‘Our Father’s’ and ‘Creed’s’ before
reciting the same at various points along the path through the lower sanctuary
and up into the upper sanctuary before finally entering the well.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXnyuSmZOos/UsqjnNiy53I/AAAAAAAABQk/mdTOijv_gWk/s1600/DSCF9433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXnyuSmZOos/UsqjnNiy53I/AAAAAAAABQk/mdTOijv_gWk/s1600/DSCF9433.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The cross in the upper sanctuary</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The upper sanctuary is accessed by a small winding path that
makes its way up through the trees to a stone cross that stands at the entrance
to an ancient cemetery, said to be the burial grounds of the Kings of Dái gCais
and containing the mausoleum of Cornelius O’Brien. Cornelius O’Brien was an
interesting local character who was highly regarded in his day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a solicitor for Ireland from
1811 and became magistrate for Clare. Despite being a Protestant landlord,
local Roman Catholics held him in high esteem for his political stance in
relation to Ireland and for his care of tenants. He took great care of his
tenants houses, ensuring they were always in habitable condition and well
maintained and clearly had a great love of the area. He ensured there was ease
of access to the cliffs of Moher and paid for pathways to be maintained and the
erection of seating, a viewing tower and a structure known as ‘the Round
Table’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1840 Cornelius fell
seriously ill while in England and sent for water from Liscannor holy well
which he promptly drank. Attributing his recovery to the healing waters he
endeavoured to restore Saint Brigid’s holy well, which was in a state of
considerable disrepair at the time, and he paid for its restoration and greatly
encouraged devotion at the site. He returned to Ireland during the famine years
and is said to have done all he could to provide food to the starving and later
he established a national school for the area. However, like many landlords of
the time he was not without a sense of self importance, ensuring that a
prominent O’Brien monument would be permanently present at the well after his
death and that locals would also remember his presence in connection to the
well with his imposing mausoleum overlooking the entire cemetery. A short
distance from the well there is another well by the road. This is not a holy
well, but one that locals used for washing and gathering water for cooking and
cleaning. Cornelius O’Brien created a stone housing for the well, topped by his
crest. History was to be unkind to Cornelius as Ireland’s political landscape
shifted in a way in which he might have approved of, yet set him squarely on
the wrong side of the fence. Despite his own actions and political sentiment,
his denomination and his national allegiance was to unfortunately tarnish his
record in an area where dreadful atrocities were committed and whose people
were unable to distinguish him any longer from the newly deposed ruling elite.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQMx0xzjAx8/UsqkH9udlDI/AAAAAAAABQs/9fn2267JUow/s1600/DSCF9415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQMx0xzjAx8/UsqkH9udlDI/AAAAAAAABQs/9fn2267JUow/s1600/DSCF9415.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Anthony, to help you find what you lost</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is not difficult to understand why this holy well is so
popular, quite apart from the fact that it is on a very popular tourist route.
It’s sheltered spot gives a sense of relief to the pilgrim and tourist alike
with a feeling of shrouded mystery to its dark cleft leading to the well and
its rambling graveyard. This is a place that undoubtedly rewards return visits,
yet is best frequented early in the morning or a little later in the evening to
avoid the throngs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFC1r9PxL8M/Usqk7ccdrII/AAAAAAAABQ0/fWdNpVdTxj8/s1600/DSCF9405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFC1r9PxL8M/Usqk7ccdrII/AAAAAAAABQ0/fWdNpVdTxj8/s1600/DSCF9405.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The holy well</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rock of ages, cleft for me,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let me hide myself in thee;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let the water and the blood,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
From thy riven side which flowed,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Be of sin the double cure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nothing in my hand I bring,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Simply to thy cross I cling;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Naked, come to thee for dress;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Helpless, look to thee for grace;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Foul, I to the fountain fly;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
While I draw this fleeting breath,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
When my eyes are closed in death,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
When I soar through tracts unknown,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
See thee on thy judgement throne;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rock of ages, cleft for me,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let me hide myself in thee.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Augustus Toplady (1740-78)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_f5fV3Mf74/UsqlR7tbFrI/AAAAAAAABQ8/44vnNNCEvs8/s1600/DSCF9418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_f5fV3Mf74/UsqlR7tbFrI/AAAAAAAABQ8/44vnNNCEvs8/s1600/DSCF9418.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Looking out from the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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How to find it:</div>
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The well is impossible to miss! One mile down the hill from
the car park at the cliffs of Moher on the right hand side you will see the
statue of Brigid in her glass case surrounded by a low stone wall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JcmaXuzVQU/Usql0Eab8gI/AAAAAAAABRE/jEFkMJVipbw/s1600/DSCF9512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JcmaXuzVQU/Usql0Eab8gI/AAAAAAAABRE/jEFkMJVipbw/s1600/DSCF9512.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Stack at the cliffs of Moher</i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-10578732337587215892013-11-28T13:16:00.000-08:002013-11-28T13:16:11.463-08:00The Holy Well At Reask, County Kerry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DQzRKm5kzY/UpettU60pnI/AAAAAAAABO4/JILvIyE4d7Q/s1600/DSCF9126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8DQzRKm5kzY/UpettU60pnI/AAAAAAAABO4/JILvIyE4d7Q/s320/DSCF9126.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Gallus Oratory</i></div>
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The Dingle peninsula boasts a huge number of impressive
archaeological sites. You can almost stand in one place and throw a stone to
hit the next one. As you travel through them it is easy to become overwhelmed
and unable to take it all in as you move from the Iron Age to very early
Christianity to the Late Medieval period all in the space of about thirty
minutes. It is part of the problem of trying to visit a place like the Dingle
peninsula in a few short days. It rewards repeat visits and an opportunity to
spend time lingering at sites, rather than rushing through them. I began my day
at Gallus Oratory; a fine, stone-built church in the early Irish style and
quite possibly Ireland’s most famous building. It is somewhat difficult to date
for a number of reasons: excavation has uncovered no evidence regarding its
possible use, mortar is entirely absent from the stones that form the building
and nothing was found inside it, but estimates suggest that it was built at
some point between the 6<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup> century. The name is a
little curious too -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Gallus’ can
be translated as ‘place for the foreigner’ – but it may have been a stop for
pilgrims as they made their way to the famous route towards the top of Mount
Brandon.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The monastic site wall</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Not far from here, although further in from the coast but
not out of sight of it, is the monastic site of Reask (Riasc). This site was
carefully excavated by Tom Fanning between 1972 and 1975. The outer walls of
the site are still marked very clearly and there are a number of remains of
beehive huts (Clochans) and a church. It’s not a huge site, but it is not
insignificant either. It dates to around the 6<sup>th</sup> century, but we
know absolutely nothing of its founder or occupants, other than they were
Christian. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The large cross</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Reask’s walls housed three crosses. One cross is on a stone
slab in the Latin style with two small crosses either side of it; likely a
reference to the two thieves crucified either side of Jesus. The other cross is
very small and now quite badly weathered. On the front it has the letters DNO
and on the back it has the letters DNI. The third cross is by far the most
impressive being just over one and a half metres tall with a Mediterranean
style cross inscribed and ending terminals in the famous La Téne form of Celtic
art. It is suffering a little from its exposure to the weather, but none the
less imposing for it. Down it’s side are the barely legible letters DNE,
thought to represent the simple plea, ‘O Lord’. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The holy well</i></div>
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The whole site is slightly raised from the surroundings, but
the whole area is generally quite flat. The site was abandoned quite early on
and turned into a graveyard for children, whose graves are marked with quartz
stones. Towards the back of the site is the holy well. Sadly, we know no saint
associated with this site - in fact there may never have been one – but this
well would have been used by the community for many purposes, both ritual and
practical. Today sadly, it is dry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The view from the site to the Three Sisters headland</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Although it may have been a small site, maybe housing around
ten monks, it is clear that they were not without ability. The largest cross is
finely carved and archaeological evidence points to trade with the
Mediterranean an a number of other cross inscribed stones are on display in the
Músaem Chorca Dhuibhiine in the nearby village. I was able to spend a little
time here in the heat of the summer sun and I could see why the monks settled
this site. It was sheltered and incredibly quiet, disturbed only by the
occasional bee going about his work.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vchM8sRPgs/UpewFAl8-PI/AAAAAAAABPg/y4tS9SDD0W8/s1600/DSCF9111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vchM8sRPgs/UpewFAl8-PI/AAAAAAAABPg/y4tS9SDD0W8/s320/DSCF9111.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Full view of the large cross</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the peace of all things calm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the place to hide from harm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the light that shines in the dark</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the heart’s eternal spark</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the door that’s open wide</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the guest who waits inside</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the stranger at the door</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the calling to the poor</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are my Lord and with me still</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are my love, keep me from ill</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are the light, the truth, the way</div>
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You are my Saviour this very day.</div>
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<i>Early Irish prayer (oral tradition)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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How to find it:</div>
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From the town of Dingle make your way along the Ring of
Dingle and the site is clearly marked. You will travel inland a little from the
Three Sisters headland and travel up a narrow track road. The site is hidden
just over the rise.<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-9493943632024664962013-09-10T10:23:00.000-07:002013-09-10T10:23:10.312-07:00Pinnacle Well, County Clare.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9CksUHFjw0/Ui9RDZlRRXI/AAAAAAAABMY/KhqUUmU3GPQ/s1600/DSCF9556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9CksUHFjw0/Ui9RDZlRRXI/AAAAAAAABMY/KhqUUmU3GPQ/s320/DSCF9556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i> The limestone of the Burren</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Pinnacle well
in County Clare is situated in the Burren; a place of incredible natural beauty
with a landscape that shifts and changes with every passing hour. The Burren is
the largest karst landscape in all of Europe, with spectacular limestone
pavements interrupted by long and sometimes very deep fissures. It’s geology is
extreme and impressive. The soil rarely dips below 6 degrees centigrade and it
is thought that the extensive amount of rock in the area retains the heat to
create a kind of micro-climate that allows a flora and fauna to flourish that
exists nowhere else in Ireland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVtAOrDhBaw/Ui9RY9gmv1I/AAAAAAAABMg/BWKnxo4gdIM/s1600/DSCF9547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVtAOrDhBaw/Ui9RY9gmv1I/AAAAAAAABMg/BWKnxo4gdIM/s320/DSCF9547.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> <i>Doolin cave stalactite</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Burren is
rich in archaeological sites dating back to the very earliest period in
Ireland’s history. It has over ninety portal tombs, numerous dolmens, many
religious sites and holy wells. It is also an area rich in caves, very few of
which have been fully explored, although two are open to the public, one of
which has evidence of use by the now extinct Brown Bear. The Doolin Cave is
particularly impressive, having one of the largest stalactites in the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izjB9ucAYWA/Ui9RzJEyeQI/AAAAAAAABMo/uafLYnou4RQ/s1600/DSCF9568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izjB9ucAYWA/Ui9RzJEyeQI/AAAAAAAABMo/uafLYnou4RQ/s320/DSCF9568.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> <i>The Pinnacle Well (or Tobercornan)</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Pinnacle well
is situated by the verge of the coast road near to Gleninagh Castle. It is a
small spring that fills a stone basin and in 1860 a Gothic Revival style
housing was built over it with a corbelled rubble-stone roof, dressed stone
gable copings and corner pinnacles. It is a very decorative housing, with faux
corner buttresses and an arched doorway into the well that give it the appearance
of a small chapel or oratory. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecE5vcYzOP0/Ui9SFXRGXdI/AAAAAAAABMw/p4ZX5Cg263s/s1600/DSCF9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecE5vcYzOP0/Ui9SFXRGXdI/AAAAAAAABMw/p4ZX5Cg263s/s320/DSCF9565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> <i>The well basin</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">It is unclear if
there was any particular saint associated with this well, but it has always
been considered a holy well, and the fact that such an impressive (and faux
religious) structure was built around it demonstrates just how important it was
considered. The well is also known as Tobercornan, but there is no saint by the
name of ‘Cornan’ in Ireland (at least not a recorded one), although it could be
a mis-spelling of St Cronan who has a strong association with the area. However
the site is still considered a holy place and there are items inside the well
housing that sets it clearly within a religious context.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUVLQMx8gUg/Ui9Sc0VZiCI/AAAAAAAABM4/IgxLObwtvHw/s1600/DSCF9567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUVLQMx8gUg/Ui9Sc0VZiCI/AAAAAAAABM4/IgxLObwtvHw/s320/DSCF9567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Offerings at the well</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Despite ireland’s
annual rainfall figures, the Burren can be a remarkably dry place and in the
past drought was not unknown. The closeness of the bedrock to the surface and
the network of caves mean that little water collects on the surface. There are
very few rivers and lakes in the area, yet oddly enough Clare probably has the
largest number of holy wells anywhere in Ireland. Although these wells may have
had a religious function and significance, they were also essential for
survival, and in this instance the people of Ballyvaughan relied upon water from
this well during times of drought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCbwL4tl7pk/Ui9Sv4jeUNI/AAAAAAAABNA/tOU_8nnLcyo/s1600/DSCF9569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCbwL4tl7pk/Ui9Sv4jeUNI/AAAAAAAABNA/tOU_8nnLcyo/s320/DSCF9569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> A full view of the pinnacles, buttresses and arched doorway</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
God of hope, God of healing and blessing, God of refreshment
and peace, shower down upon us with your infinite love and righteousness. Send
your Holy Spirit to fill us with faith. Lead us to green pastures and make us
to lie down by still waters, refreshing our souls and giving us peace; for you
live and reign with your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqDf9F-29es/Ui9TEQd2k4I/AAAAAAAABNI/eRQ1eNtwLLs/s1600/DSCF9571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqDf9F-29es/Ui9TEQd2k4I/AAAAAAAABNI/eRQ1eNtwLLs/s320/DSCF9571.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>A donkey opposite the well</i><br />
<br />
<br />
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How to find it:</div>
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The well is right on the roadside of the R477 in the
townland of Gleninagh North, before reaching Ballyvaughan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZHAC0jRo5I/Ui9TgPdwQHI/AAAAAAAABNU/beRX2Gd9dYw/s1600/DSC_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZHAC0jRo5I/Ui9TgPdwQHI/AAAAAAAABNU/beRX2Gd9dYw/s320/DSC_0212.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<i> Poulnabrone Dolmen.</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-930685632404704842013-08-01T04:54:00.000-07:002013-08-01T04:54:55.162-07:00Tobar Nano, Díseart, Dingle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gboe9I3_G4/Ufo1jkTiu8I/AAAAAAAABJU/d_ZSXY1hQIw/s1600/DSCF9083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gboe9I3_G4/Ufo1jkTiu8I/AAAAAAAABJU/d_ZSXY1hQIw/s320/DSCF9083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dingle Harbour</i></div>
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Díseart in Dingle sits in the centre of the town; a former Presentation Convent, now a centre of Celtic Studies to promote the Irish language, culture, archaeology and the arts. Dingle (or An Diangean Uí Cúis - meaning town of the fort) was formed as a port town in the mid to late twelfth century during the Norman invasion of Ireland and by the thirteenth century was a thriving town with a huge amount of exports leaving through the port that rivaled other nearby cities. By 1569, Dingle was one of the fifteen or so towns given the monopoly on the importation of wine to Ireland. The town was also greatly helped in its development and wealth by the strong connections with Spain; this was considered to be the port to leave through if you were making the pilgrim journey to Santiago de Compostela. This link was further cemented by the local church being dedicated to Saint James. However, by the end of the sixteenth century, Dingle's fortunes began to turn. The town was sacked and burned a number of times and trade began to dry up. For a short period the linen industry looked like it might turn around the misfortunes of the town, but by the 1830's the industry that held so much hope for many simply ground to a halt. The famine years were most unkind to Dingle and were compounded by a terrible cholera outbreak which threatened to destroy the town completely. By the end of the nineteenth century its fortune revived as the fishing industry brought it new life and the birth of tourism in the mid twentieth century has ensured its survival and prosperity ever since.</div>
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Dingle is small and beautiful town with much to do and see. In the high season as many as twenty thousand people can pass through the town in any given week, taking boat trips in the hope of seeing Fungi the dolphin or to the Blasket Islands, or touring around the area to see the many archaeological sites, the beautiful scenery or to climb Mount Brandon. In the centre of the town sits a large Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1869. Beside it is the neo-Gothic structure Díseart.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1DE4NFQaWM/Ufo9GiG4nPI/AAAAAAAABJk/gzscVwniabg/s1600/DSCF9246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1DE4NFQaWM/Ufo9GiG4nPI/AAAAAAAABJk/gzscVwniabg/s320/DSCF9246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A view of Díseart from the gardens</i></div>
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Díseart is a large and imposing building and a former Convent of the Presentation Sisters which includes a chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart and surrounded by grounds which have been transformed into gardens representing the Tree of Life. The chapel is part of the main building on the second floor. Originally it was somewhat plain, but under the direction of Mother Ita Macken in the 1920's it was refurbished to create a truly wonderful space. At a cost of £1000, she commissioned Harry Clarke to produce a set of six windows depicting the life of Christ. Sadly, photographs are not permitted in the chapel (although I did sneak one!), but the Harry Clarke windows are truly very impressive. Like much of Clarke's glass it is very difficult to photograph because of the intensity of colour and changing light. It's always better to see them in person to truly appreciate their beauty and depth.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jym-uF1MOt8/Ufo_tdSk7AI/AAAAAAAABJ0/NgvKFaFYt_g/s1600/DSC_0081_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jym-uF1MOt8/Ufo_tdSk7AI/AAAAAAAABJ0/NgvKFaFYt_g/s320/DSC_0081_2.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<i>Detail of the Adoration of the Magi</i></div>
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Díseart also houses a set of modern fresco's by Colorado born artist, Eleanor Yates. I can't say I'm a fan. Some find them inspiring and beautiful, but personally I found them gaudy and a bit overpowering. They depict the life of Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Sisters in 1775. Nano Nagle was born in Cork and sent as a child to be educated in Paris. From a wealthy Catholic family she enjoyed the opportunities of a good education, but even while in Paris she noted the plight of the poor and their lack of education. On returning from Paris she lived with family for a while in Dublin, but after the death of her parents and her sister in quick succession she joined the Ursuline</div>
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Convent in Australia. Here she became convinced that her services would be better employed in the service of her own people in Ireland, where many suffered educational and financial poverty due to the enforced penal laws. On her return to Ireland she set up her first order dedicated to the Sacred Heart which later became known as the Order of the Presentation Sisters. Her first school for the poor was established in Cork city and soon she had a collection of seven schools throughout the city dedicated to the education of the poor. Nano was tireless in her efforts and was often criticised for neglecting her own needs and her own health. Finally, her over worked and stressed body gave up and she collapsed on Cross Street in Cork, dying soon after in 1784. Her life was to continue to inspire many people for decades. Her schools still exist and provide education for all and her order has spread throughout the world, still having a concern for, and working with the poor and needy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuOunvOlgxs/UfpENyinOgI/AAAAAAAABKE/pswqGDOAjac/s1600/DSCF9249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuOunvOlgxs/UfpENyinOgI/AAAAAAAABKE/pswqGDOAjac/s320/DSCF9249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The Presentation Sisters graveyard in Díseart grounds</i></div>
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The holy well in Díseart grounds was neglected for a long period of time and pretty much forgotten about. Some sources indicate that it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary (which would make sense with a church of the same dedication and residing in a Presentation Sisters Convent grounds), while others suggest a dedication to Saint Peter, which would certainly be unusual in Ireland. Whatever the case, the true dedication of the holy well was forgotten. It was a very deep well and today, little or nothing of its original structure survives. In fact, it as only very recently rediscovered. In 2009 a celebration of Nano Nagle's life took place at Díseart, and the well was fully restored. After a mass in the chapel, and during a reception in the gardens, Monsignor Pádriag Ó Fiannachta blessed the newly restored well and dedicated it to Nano. The restoration has been done well, but access to the water is impossible.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pe_lAROg9s/UfpGLz_FN2I/AAAAAAAABKU/ozfVnmD7T1c/s1600/DSCF9244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pe_lAROg9s/UfpGLz_FN2I/AAAAAAAABKU/ozfVnmD7T1c/s320/DSCF9244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Tobar Nano</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The grounds around the former convent are beautiful and well worth a visit. There are places to sit and be quiet and still in lovely surroundings, along with groves of trees and winding paths away from all the hustle and bustle of the town. The large tree at the top of the gardens holds some clouties. The Catholic Church of Saint Mary next door to the convent is also worth a visit. It is quite plain inside by comparison, but presents a still and peaceful spot.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7IwAVrWRSc/UfpHW1GZwTI/AAAAAAAABKg/88pM3ixJj7w/s1600/DSCF9253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7IwAVrWRSc/UfpHW1GZwTI/AAAAAAAABKg/88pM3ixJj7w/s320/DSCF9253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Interior of Saint Mary's Church</i></div>
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Loving God, you made us in your image. Forgive us when we we fail to see your image in each other, when we give in to greed and indifference to the world's poor and needy, when we do not question the systems that are life-denying. As we are made in your image, let us live in your image and be Christ-like, in service, endurance and love. </div>
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Amen.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDmnTe2iKPc/UfpJm_kRkjI/AAAAAAAABKw/7I3ZymlB1ns/s1600/DSCF9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDmnTe2iKPc/UfpJm_kRkjI/AAAAAAAABKw/7I3ZymlB1ns/s320/DSCF9247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The tree at the top of the gardens</i></div>
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How to find it:</div>
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Díseart itself is easily found in the town of Dingle. From the old convent, head up the left hand side of the gardens and the well is about half way up against the wall. It's hard to miss - it has a large slate fixed above it which reads, 'Tobar Nano'.</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-49561175144404009912013-06-07T15:05:00.000-07:002013-06-07T15:13:00.937-07:00Saint Columba’s Well, Kells, County Meath.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R67FCMzyd9w/UbJSyON9ecI/AAAAAAAABHE/bBQ3jEM_Lr0/s1600/b989f391b22a9ecba97c00f04f676fa6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R67FCMzyd9w/UbJSyON9ecI/AAAAAAAABHE/bBQ3jEM_Lr0/s1600/b989f391b22a9ecba97c00f04f676fa6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Shrine of the Cathach of Saint Columba</span></i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Saint Columba
(Colmcille) is a saint that is shrouded in mystery and legend, yet is counted
as one of the twelve apostles of Ireland. Of his early life in Ireland we know
very little, whereas his later life is documented by Adomnán. The only thing we
can say for certain are that he was of a royal lineage, that he became a monk
and cleric in Ireland and that the synod of Teltown declared him to be
excommunicated. St Moilasse was employed by Saint Columba to intervene and make
a case to the synod, who then withdrew the pronouncement of excommunication on
the condition that Columba leave Ireland and never return. We can say little
else for certain, and yet in Ireland stories abound about him. Ireland’s oral
lore suggests that Columba was born at Gartan, established monasteries up and
down the land, created the Book of Kells, was a man of peace and reconciliation
and established his most important monastery at Kells in County Meath. None of it
can be verified for certain, but some of it is most certainly not true.
Firstly, Columba was no man of peace when he was in Ireland. There are records
contemporaneous to him that describe him as man who was excited by warfare and
whose temper was best not roused. During his time in Ireland an important
battle was being fought regarding the succession to the throne and there have
been suggestions that he was directly and personally involved, but again, we
cannot be certain. Secondly, the Book of Kells was most certainly written after
Columba’s death, so he could not have been personally responsible for it.
Modern scholars suggest that it was a book created in his honour, possibly
created specially for the two hundredth anniversary of his death. Whatever the case
the book did have an association with Kells, but this was around the year
800AD, after the monks had more or less fled Iona with relics and books and
distributed them between Ireland and Scotland -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some of the remains of the saint having been disinterred and
divided between Ireland and Scotland. Thirdly, there is an issue with Gartan
being the place of his birth. Gartan was not declared to be his place of birth
until some time after his death, and some -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even at the time – have poured scorn on the idea, saying
that it is a claim to fame rather than an attestation of truth. And lastly,
Columba did not settle monasteries in Ireland. While he was on Iona he did use
his monks for political means -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>albeit for the furtherance of God’s kingdom rather than his own -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and he sent them to various places that
required help in building, in mission and in copying the scriptures and
farming. It is in this way that the sites have an association with Columba, but
really nothing more.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZX0aEvQO-s/UbJTKh7NIsI/AAAAAAAABHM/Q5hh-VVEXow/s1600/DSCF8906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZX0aEvQO-s/UbJTKh7NIsI/AAAAAAAABHM/Q5hh-VVEXow/s320/DSCF8906.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> The unfinished cross and the round tower</span></i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The town of Kells
claims that Columba settled it as a monastic site, but this is highly unlikely.
Columba doesn’t appear to have been considered a great man while in Ireland (at
least in religious terms), so it is unlikely that he would be put in charge of
of a significant monastic settlement. It isn't really until he is exiled that
he becomes the man God meant him to be. There have been many debates as to why
Columba left Ireland and why the Teltown synod declared him excommunicated, but
his past and his royal lineage might hold the clue. It appears that the battle
of Cúl Dreimhne in 561AD concerned the right of two rival kings to the
accession of the throne, and Columba appears to have used his influence as a
monk and cleric to further the cause of his own favoured royal to be. The synod
of Teltown talks of him abusing his position and influence, and it might be
that this is what they are referring to. In any case the final result is that
the excommunication is lifted, but he must leave Ireland for good. He remains a
little while and then finally sails to the small island of Iona; south of the
famous Fingal’s cave and north of the great whisky giants of Jura and Islay. Here he
establishes his monastic settlement that was to take on primary importance in
Scotland, and have an influence too on Ireland. Columba and his monks said the
daily offices of the church, farmed the land, copied the scriptures and
received penitents on the island. But Columba also journeyed throughout much of
Scotland, giving encouragement to other religious settlements and acting as a
kind of diplomat between them and the leaders of the Picts, who were not always
greatly welcoming to monks. Over time, and shortly after his death, he became
known as a man of reconciliation and peace. He appears to have wrestled with
his demons and won, and whether they knew it or not, the decision of the monks
at the synod of Teltown was maybe a wake up call to Columba as well as the
beginning of the creation of a saint.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18XJ8RZZqXk/UbJTWx7kyyI/AAAAAAAABHU/YPptS7ywVH0/s1600/DSCF8873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18XJ8RZZqXk/UbJTWx7kyyI/AAAAAAAABHU/YPptS7ywVH0/s320/DSCF8873.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The market cross</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The original name
of kells was Ceanannas Mór, meaning the Great Fort and being an important royal
seat. But by 804AD it was to become a significant monastic centre. We don’t
know exactly when the monastic site was established at Kells or by whom, but we
do not that it grew significantly when the monks from Iona arrived after their
great flight from the island some time just before 804AD. It is an impressive
site, even in its ruined condition today. It was originally a site composed a
double circle with the inner circle having the church (which no longer
survives), a small stone roofed oratory and the round tower and five impressive
carved crosses. The round tower dates to the tenth century and today it is
missing it’s conical roof. It had six floors with access probably by ladders,
impressive inner carvings and a window for each floor, except for the sixth
floor which have five windows. It is thought that these five upper windows
represent the five main access roads into the town.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ij-MYYO20A/UbJTqLQRxJI/AAAAAAAABHc/COBz8sy5HgY/s1600/DSCF8917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ij-MYYO20A/UbJTqLQRxJI/AAAAAAAABHc/COBz8sy5HgY/s320/DSCF8917.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The South Cross</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span> <style><!--
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The stone roofed
survives, and today it is called Saint Columba’s house. It may have been used
by the monks to say their offices or possibly be an old shrine church and
burial place for the founding abbot. It is well preserved, although availability
of access varies depending on when you go. It was known at one time to have
housed a large flat stone called Saint Columba’s bed, reputedly brought by the
fleeing monks from Iona by currach. It may not have been his bed at all, but
simply a suitable grave slab from Iona that the monks had fashioned in
preparation for the interring of his divided remains in Kells. As it happened,
his partial remains were placed in a highly decorated shrine and later
transferred to the shrine of Patrick to rest alongside Saint Brigid’s remains
in Downpatrick. The Annals of the Four Masters and also some old ordinance
survey maps refer to a secret tunnel running from this oratory to the old
church, but today it has yet to be found.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qbbf28RycZY/UbJT605imXI/AAAAAAAABHk/zsOnEers7II/s1600/DSCF8885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qbbf28RycZY/UbJT605imXI/AAAAAAAABHk/zsOnEers7II/s320/DSCF8885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Columba's House</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i><style><!--
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The present
church on the site is a Church of Ireland parish and is somewhat uninspired.
Beside it sits a old church tower, rebuilt many times and having broken
carvings, cross slabs and carved heads incorporated into its walls. Close by ,
the old font sits under a yew tree and the foot of a high cross is the only
remaining part of one of the five great crosses. One of the crosses has been
moved from the site altogether. When the new church walls were built for the
Church of Ireland parish, it split the original design of the site to
accommodate new roads through the town which left one impressive cross in a
precarious spot beside traffic. It has recently been moved down to the front of
the town and is protected slightly from the elements with a plastic canopy. The
market cross is made from sandstone and has a fluidity of carving that is
astonishing. Its base has a hunting scene and two centaurs. Many have said that
it is merely a playful scene and nothing more, but it could be a representation
of the death of paganism. On top of the broad base sits the cross with carved
panels on all four sides. One side of the cross has the usual new testament
scenes you expect to see on this type of cross, with a scene of the crucifixion
at its centre. But the other side of the cross hold a bit of a surprise. It
begins with the soldiers guarding the tomb and rises to what you would expect
to be a scene of the resurrection of Christ, but what we get instead is Daniel
in the lion’s den. This is an enormous cross, but sadly it has been broken.
Like many other crosses of this type, it would once have been highly coloured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwbbsVW7Ilw/UbJWWDh7_UI/AAAAAAAABIs/ETcIcIaHrkM/s1600/220px-Monymusk_ReliquaryDSCF6383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwbbsVW7Ilw/UbJWWDh7_UI/AAAAAAAABIs/ETcIcIaHrkM/s1600/220px-Monymusk_ReliquaryDSCF6383.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Shrine of Saint Columba's partial remains (now empty)</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<style> </style><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">In the monastic
settlement there is an imposing, but unfinished cross with a crucified Christ
at its centre. The West cross has been broken, supposedly by Cromwell, and has
some very fine carvings. The base shows the baptism of Christ and the wedding
feast at Cana and on the opposite side are Adam and Eve and Noah’s ark. There
are a few other panels, but they are now too worn to decipher. The cross is of
a much less fluid type of carving, but it it does have some very beautiful
spiral and knot work to the side panels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q02cPpbGnX0/UbJUbiBM_MI/AAAAAAAABH0/bu1RRr6hkRk/s1600/DSCF8924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q02cPpbGnX0/UbJUbiBM_MI/AAAAAAAABH0/bu1RRr6hkRk/s320/DSCF8924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Detail of the baptism of Christ from the West cross (broken)</span></i></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The South Cross
is the only reasonably intact and finished cross on the site and despite being
very deeply incised it is still badly weathered. The person who carved this
cross had a real mastery of their art. The panels are like snapshots, having a
sense of movement and life. It is thought that this cross may have been carved
during the ninth century to mark the safe arrival of the monks from Iona and
the inscription on it’s base dedicates the cross to Saint Patrick and Saint
Columba. The cross is eleven feet high, but missing its top cap stone and it is
carved from one piece of stone. The east side has Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel,
the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion’s den, topped by the raven bringing
food to Saint Anthony in the desert, the sacrifice of Isaac and the miracle of
the loaves and fishes. The opposite side has Sampson and the lion, David and
the bear, topped by the crucifixion and then Christ in triumph surrounded by
the four evangelists. It appears that the cross has an obsession with animals
and beasts, but it may be that it is depicting the triumph of the human spirit
over animal passions – a suitable theme for Saint Columba.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0A1Moqqr7hk/UbJUtlMOYHI/AAAAAAAABH8/RSBnUI_JbIQ/s1600/DSCF8939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0A1Moqqr7hk/UbJUtlMOYHI/AAAAAAAABH8/RSBnUI_JbIQ/s320/DSCF8939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> <i>Carved faces on the old church tower</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">As I said, the
north cross is completely destroyed, and all that remains of it are a weathered
stump. The reason why there were five crosses is not really known, but it is
likely that they represent the five wounds of Christ. Many of the scenes on the
crosses have striking similarities to images within the Book of Kells which
almost disappeared for good while at this site. In 1007AD the book was stolen
and later found, but its gold cover had been removed and has never been
recovered. The site also held other significant relics, one being the Cathach
of Saint Columba and it’s shrine. This was a Psalter copied by Columba near the
time of his death. Adomnán tells us that the night Saint Columba died, the last
verse he translated in the Psalter was from Psalm 34: Come my children, listen
to me and I will teach you the fear of the Lord. The Psalter was completed by
the monks on Iona and is now preserved in the Irish Royal Academy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNU-EVBzeQo/UbJU0Ohm0hI/AAAAAAAABIE/QoZq1Bywbh0/s1600/300px-CathachOfStColumba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNU-EVBzeQo/UbJU0Ohm0hI/AAAAAAAABIE/QoZq1Bywbh0/s320/300px-CathachOfStColumba.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> A page from the Cathach of Saint Columba</span></i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The well of Saint
Columba is a little way out of the town. From the monastic site, head up the hill
on the southern side, cross the road and walk a little further until you come
to an iron gate between two houses with a narrow country lane leading down to
the well. It is clearly signposted from the road and the entrance bears a stone
plaque. The lane winds on a little way before opening up into a small enclosed
area that has been well tended and carefully looked after. The day I visited,
someone had been planting flowers in the bank on the far side of the well. The
well housing is crude and simple, but the area is private and peaceful. The
water is clear and cool and flows steadily down a culvert into a stream in a neighbouring
field.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> <i>The lane to the well</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Patterns have been
observed at this well for a long time. When you visit the town and it’s various
tourist centres you will see old Victorian photographs of people praying at the
well. Today the pattern is a great event, with the rosary said on the evening of
the 7th June and the Kells Silver Band playing. A mass is then said at the well
on 9th June; a tradition that has been observed in this way since 1843. Concerns
for the condition of the well grew around 2000 and in 2010 the Kells
Archaeological and Historical Society was granted aid from the Town Council and
the goodwill of the landowner to restore it fully - a task that was completed
in 2011.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> The holy well of Saint Columba</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<style> </style><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Antiphon: Let the summits of heaven praise you with roaming lightning; O
most loving Jesus, O righteous King of kings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Father keep us safe under</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The tempests and the thunder,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Lest we should be shattered</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">By your lightning shafts so scattered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Your terrors while hearing,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">We listen still God fearing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">To the resonant song</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Of the bright angel throng.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">As they wander and praise you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Shouts of honour still raise to you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">To the King ruling right,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Jesus Christ, all love and light.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Filled with God’s grace indeed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Not with wine or a clear mead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The precursor; John the Baptist’s word,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Told of the coming of the Lord,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Who blesséd for
evermore</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">All mankind should
bow before,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Of this saint
begotten from Elizabeth and Zacharia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">May the fire of
your love live within my heart,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">As a jewel of
gold in a silver kept vase</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Antiphon: Let the
summits of heaven praise you with roaming lightning; O most loving Jesus, O
righteous King of kings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Nolie Pater (a canticle composed by Saint Columba)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQhDs0jKHLA/UbJVdqsCf5I/AAAAAAAABIc/zR0o7zsxPQg/s1600/DSCF8876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQhDs0jKHLA/UbJVdqsCf5I/AAAAAAAABIc/zR0o7zsxPQg/s320/DSCF8876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> Detail of the hunting scene from the market cross</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">How to find it:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">In the town of
Kells the monastic site is easily found. From here, head up the hill on the
south side of the site, cross the road and a little way along you will find the
entrance to the well. It is clearly marked and signposted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uadLKh8oyrs/UbJVsuePccI/AAAAAAAABIk/pruIPwTGFmo/s1600/DSCF8929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uadLKh8oyrs/UbJVsuePccI/AAAAAAAABIk/pruIPwTGFmo/s320/DSCF8929.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i> Carved knot work on the West cross</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-67113642230593254872013-05-24T11:41:00.002-07:002013-05-24T11:41:38.642-07:00Saint Doolagh’s Well, Malahide, Dublin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbDAXVgUQEw/UZ-sGHY5XAI/AAAAAAAABF4/eMRituZiP_Q/s1600/DSCF7064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbDAXVgUQEw/UZ-sGHY5XAI/AAAAAAAABF4/eMRituZiP_Q/s320/DSCF7064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Exterior Baptistry</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Malahide has been
a populated area for a considerable length of time with remains of much
prehistoric activity, then settled again very considerably by the Vikings in
the late eighth century, before finally becoming a rapidly growing suburb from
the 1960’s on. The village of Malahide has a holy well of its own on the old
main street, dedicated to St Sylvester, but today it is covered up and there is
no access. A pattern day used to be observed at this well in honour of the
Blessed Virgin Mary on 15th August.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WQKLKZEmTM/UZ-siY6hpiI/AAAAAAAABGA/reVP1SXY4H4/s1600/DSCF7106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WQKLKZEmTM/UZ-siY6hpiI/AAAAAAAABGA/reVP1SXY4H4/s320/DSCF7106.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> View of the Original Church with the Victorian Extension to the rear</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The church of
Saint Doulagh is a fair bit out from the village in what must have been an
isolated area at one time and today is a marriage of a twelfth century structure
and a Victorian chapel. As you approach the church the tower and the the front
portion are the original structure, which includes a double stone roof, a few
‘cells’ and a couple of rooms of quite small proportions. It is possible that
the two small rooms could have been a refectory and dormitory for monks that
would have lived on site. Of the monks of the twelfth century we know nothing,
but there is some evidence that the site was used continuously by Christian
communities dating back to the time of Saint Patrick and it is with a saint
closer to Patrick’s time that we will concern ourselves with here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mAECaHDTLk/UZ-tAXGYOCI/AAAAAAAABGI/f08OBcgTwGA/s1600/DSCF7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mAECaHDTLk/UZ-tAXGYOCI/AAAAAAAABGI/f08OBcgTwGA/s320/DSCF7103.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> The Cross</span></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Saint Doolagh
(Doulagh in the church spelling, Dúileach in Irish) was an anchorite living on
this site. At the church there is the twelfth century structure, the newer
church, an ancient baptistry (outside) and a pond or well. Engravings from the
eighteenth century show a stone circular structure to the front of the church
and close to the baptistry, but no trace of this now remains. Inside the
twelfth century structure of the church, one of the rooms incorporates a tomb,
which throughout it’s history has been understood to be the tomb of the saint.
The anchoritic life was one of the earliest forms of Christian monasticism,
common among early Christians throughout the Middle East, most famously in
Egypt. It was an extreme lifestyle of little comfort, constant prayer, minimal
food and water and intense concentration. It was carried out in solitude where
possible with a considerable focus on the importance on the Eucharist as the
principal act of worship. While there is evidence that the anchoritic life was
fairly common among early Christians in Ireland, it was curiously not the case
in Britain, which did not see the rise in popularity of this charism until the
late Middle Ages. Saint Doulagh’s life must have been hard, unrelenting in it’s
challenge and fraught with a certain danger too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AB1Td8mQXoc/UZ-tZIQxCTI/AAAAAAAABGQ/kIPagO3S7zU/s1600/DSCF7048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AB1Td8mQXoc/UZ-tZIQxCTI/AAAAAAAABGQ/kIPagO3S7zU/s320/DSCF7048.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> View of the church</span></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Very little else
is known of Saint Doulagh. He appears in the ancient Calendar of Christ Church
Cathedral as ‘Episcopus et Confessor’ (Bishop and Confessor) and his patronal
day is listed as the 17th November (although this may be a change from an
original festival date of 1st August). He features hardly at all in any other
hagiographical literature in Ireland, or indeed Europe. His lineage is
preserved in various documents and some documents speak of his ‘bed’ being a
place where pregnant mothers would lie and say prayers for a safe birth. His
history (in the form of a Saint’s Life) was said to have been preserved at the
site up until the seventeenth century when it was destroyed, an event that
might have corroborating evidence in the destruction of the baptistry too.
Despite his obscurity now, he must have been famous even in his day, as he is
listed as one of the saints invoked in the ceremony as a guarantor of the Law
of Adomnán.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odZITuZo20Q/UZ-tvnH-QWI/AAAAAAAABGc/hoizGSk3uGc/s1600/DSCF7069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odZITuZo20Q/UZ-tvnH-QWI/AAAAAAAABGc/hoizGSk3uGc/s320/DSCF7069.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> The holy well</span></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The holy well is
in the middle of the only exterior and detached baptistry in all of Ireland.
It is a large circular hole in the centre of an octagonal structure with a pool
to the rear. The well is sadly dry, some citing the expansion of the nearby
road as the cause, but recent reports suggest that after two horribly wet
summers that water has surfaced! The well originally drained out into the pool
to the rear, known as Saint Catherine’s pool. It is thought that the baptistry was for the baptism of boys, whereas the pool was for the baptism of girls, but it is more likely that the pool is for adult baptism by full immersion. The baptistry was plastered and
decorated by a local resident (Peter Fagan) at great expense in 1609, with
fresco paintings of Saint Patrick, Saint Doulagh, Saint Brigid and Saint
Columba, with a central overhead fresco of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon
the Apostles. A large marble plaque also bore the inscription: 'Bethesda's sacred pool, let others tell, with healing virtues, let her waters swell. An equal glory shall Fingallia claim, not be less grateful for her blissful stream. Thy prayers, Doulachus, mounted up to He'ven, thence to thy will the mighty power be given, to drive the fiery fever away. Strength to replace and rescue from decay, in every malady a life to stay. The cherub, wondrous, moves his wat'ry sphere. The Saint beholds, who stirs the fountain here. Hail, lovely fount! If long unsung thy name, it thence shall rise above the starry frame.' Sadly, these were all completely destroyed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Sir Richard Bulkeley of Dunlavin on his return from the
Battle of the Boyne, and it is possible that he destroyed the Saint’s Life at
the same time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7AQ9MpGi2Y/UZ-uUX1gTuI/AAAAAAAABGk/IlsoC90iMG0/s1600/DSCF7078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7AQ9MpGi2Y/UZ-uUX1gTuI/AAAAAAAABGk/IlsoC90iMG0/s320/DSCF7078.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i> The pool of St Catherine</i></span></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The site also
contains a small granite cross in a latin type shape with flayed edges. The
stone is not native to the area and must have been brought in from elsewhere,
possibly as part of another site. Dating the cross is somewhat difficult, but
it is possible that it dates to the period of the original church and monastic
settlement that still exists as part of the church today. Despite the dryness
of the well, a patronal service for Saint Doulagh is still held today along
with ecumenical gatherings, but no pattern has been observed here since the end
of the eighteenth century.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0jnddGbDzw/UZ-urekWPwI/AAAAAAAABGs/byrse__Vku0/s1600/DSCF7093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0jnddGbDzw/UZ-urekWPwI/AAAAAAAABGs/byrse__Vku0/s320/DSCF7093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> View of the baptistry</span></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Lord Jesus
Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Prayer of the
Heart in the Orthodox tradition </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">(dating back to
the Desert Fathers.)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bYIZC69jYo/UZ-vEyBRN0I/AAAAAAAABG0/kgxH0uqO7xg/s1600/DSCF7089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bYIZC69jYo/UZ-vEyBRN0I/AAAAAAAABG0/kgxH0uqO7xg/s320/DSCF7089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> To the rear of the baptistry</span></i>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">How to find it:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">This is an easy
site to find. Travel up the Malahide Road (R107) and you will see the church on
your left. The cross stands at the entrance and the baptistry is to the right
of the church.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-57901592461420504392013-04-23T11:34:00.001-07:002013-04-26T15:44:52.945-07:00Saint Barrahane’s Well, Castlehaven, County Cork.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3l_dOEBEkL4/UXbQnyvipvI/AAAAAAAABDE/oAB7Kuu86YA/s1600/2facc03f2e9cd52b6e10181e2ee48300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3l_dOEBEkL4/UXbQnyvipvI/AAAAAAAABDE/oAB7Kuu86YA/s1600/2facc03f2e9cd52b6e10181e2ee48300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The stained glass window of the saint in Castletownsend</i></div>
<br />
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<span lang="GA">The coastline of
West Cork is rugged and picturesque, with beautiful scenery and the Atlantic’s
roar, but nestled in Castlehaven is a secluded little bay. It takes its name
from the haven provided by the bay and the castle originally built by the
O’Driscoll family, but now in ruins. Its original name was an Irish name for
Glenbarrahane that derived from the deep rocky glen that in times past was
dedicated to Saint Barrahane (or Bearchán). The scenery in this area is
impressive, with three distinctive rocks known as ‘the stags’ and a cluster of
small islands. The sea around this coastline can be quite treacherous at times,
but this peaceful and very sheltered bay is the perfect spot for boats and the
depth of bay has been exploited in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><i>Castlehaven bay</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">Part of the
Battle of Kinsale, which was to finally cement English rule in Ireland under
Elizabeth I was fought here in 1601. The Battle of Kinsale essentially started
as far back as the twelfth century, when England began a programme of attempted
consolidation of the power of the monarchy. English monarchical rule relied
upon the eldest child receiving all the power, wealth and title inheritance
with all its benefits, but many were aware of the Irish system of chieftains
where power and title were only granted through a complex series of elections
involving all parts of a relevant community. Kings were also elected in the
same way in Ireland (at least in theory!) and there were and could be multiple
kings, even for the same area. The idea of an English monarch being a single monarch
for a large area and to be granted a right by inheritance was an anathema to
many Irish people, and as soon as England began it’s campaign of consolidating
power to a single monarch for Ireland, the chieftains kicked back and were able
to claim that they were defending their ancient rights and customs. As time
trundled on, the rhetoric quickly turned to war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><i>The ruins of Glenbarrahane church</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">By the time Henry
VIII was on the throne in England the whole of Europe was rife with religious
and political tension and paranoia.
It was during this time that Henry was most keen to consolidate the
power of the English monarchy in Ireland and he knew that the only way to
break the power of the chieftains was to remove them - permanently; an idea that
he carried out with exacting ruthlessness. Henry’s actions were to cause much
disquiet in Ireland and by the time Elizabeth I came to the throne there were
fears of uprising, but Elizabeth favoured a different route and sought to
belittle and dilute the chieftains power through the plantations. But Ireland
was not to remain as quiet as she had hoped. In 1590 the English experienced
the most significant resistance to date from forces in Ulster under the
direction of Hugh O’Neill (Aodh Mór Ó Néill). At this time the English hoped to
establish a series of strongholds to strangle and thwart the Gaelic rule of the
chieftains, but the Irish used ambush tactics to destroy supply lines to the
garrisons, sometimes resulting in major casualties. In the end the English had
to sign a humiliating truce in 1599 under the command of the Earl of Essex, but
the tide was to turn on O’Neill. The Irish were very effective in their
ambushes and their knowledge of the lay of the land, but in the open battle
field they would be utterly humiliated and defeated. The Ulster rebellion came
to a crushing defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><i>Crossing the stream to the well</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">By 1601 the Irish
were desperate. Fears of a French or Spanish invasion of England using Ireland
as a stepping stone began to surface, but the paranoia of the English on this
matter was to turn into a horrifying reality. The Gaelic Earls shook the hand of the devil, and in
exchange for gold accepted the military support of the Spanish and their King,
Philip III. The Spanish had little interest in Ireland, other than making use
of it as a distraction for English forces while it waged its war with the Dutch
elsewhere for shipping rights, spices and the delights of the East that
promised glory and wealth. With England tied up in a war in Ireland it could
sink it’s ships in the East without fear of repercussion and throw all its might
at the Dutch. The war of distraction for the Spanish centred on the town of
Kinsale. The Spanish general, Aguila, was quick to surrender to the English as
he began to realise the power of the Irish chieftains was already decimated
before they had even arrived to give aid. The battles and clashes were bloody
and costly, and finally resulted in the ‘Flight of the Earls’ - the end of Gaelic rule in Ireland.</span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><i> On the path to the well</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">Castlehaven was
the site of a significant battle in this whole affair. O’Driscoll, who was Lord
of the Fort at Castlehaven, was lavished with gold from the Spanish and he was
quick to announce across the area that he was in full support of the Spanish
forces. Baltimore, Innisherkin and Dunboy quickly followed his lead. The
Spanish exploited the deep waters of the bay in Castlehaven and arranged their
fleet in its shelter. The English Admiral Leveson arrived with his fleet of
ships, but the wind was blowing them away from the coast. Despite the weather
acting against them, they managed to sink every last Spanish ship in the bay,
but arrangements had been made for a battery on the shore and Leveson's ships
were seriously damaged and sent limping back to Kinsale. Due to the sinking of
the Spanish ships in the bay there was no one left to return to Kinsale to join
the battle there. The plan had been disastrous and in 1602 all surrendered. For
Spain it was costly, but nevertheless something of a success as a war of
distraction. For Ireland it was a terrible tragedy that cost many lives and by
consequence hammered the nail in the coffin of the system of chieftains. On
Castlehaven beach, Hugh O’Donnell joined the rest of the earls of Ireland, and
fled in fear to Spain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><i>Saint Barrahane's Holy Well</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">Today the bay has
little sign of such a turbulent past. The ruins of the castle are almost hidden
by ivy and a small ruin of an old Church of Ireland parish called Glenbarrahane
parish sits amidst ancient tombstones, slowly decaying. From the beach up to the church ruin is
a concrete path and road with a low wall, but turning into the church grounds
you should be able to make out a small path through the grass towards the back
of the church where there is a gate. This gate leads across a small stream and
the path heads up a densely wooded and very damp glen. Across a small wooden
bridge and on the other side of the glen lies the well, noticeable by the
objects left at it. The well itself is very small and at quite a high elevation
from the surrounding waters, shrouded in shrubs and trees. There has never been
a pattern observed at this well, probably because the date of the feast day of
Saint Barrahane has been long forgotten, but fishermen frequent this well to
pray for safety at sea, and a tradition of using water from this well in
Castletownsend parish for baptism is maintained to this day. The Church of
Ireland parish, dedicated to Saint Barrahane, also boasts a fine stained glass
window of the saint by Harry Clarke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><i>The bay</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">Virtually nothing
is known about Saint Barrahane. There are two Saint Barrahane’s from Offaly and
another from Roscommon, but the Barrahane of Castlehaven is quite different. We
do not know when he was born or when he died, but we can conclude that he was of
the relatively early period of Christianity in Ireland. Local records try to
make a claim of a fine genealogical background, but in many other records he is
simply recorded as the son of Fiachre. He does not appear to have moved from
the area during his life and appears to have had no significant missionary
activity, so perhaps can be assumed to have been a hermit. Whatever the truth
may be, this mysterious saint found a spot of solace, peace and prayer in
Castlehaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="GA">This area has had
many significant losses to the sea in the fishing industry, many have died in
truly tragic circumstances, so it seems fitting at this well to pray for the
safety of those at sea by this well surrounded by nets and floats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="GA">O God, who
brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea and carried them safely
through the deep as the sang praises to you, guard all your servants who make
their living on the sea, and having repelled all dangers, bring them to the
desired port after a calm voyage; through our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. </span></div>
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<span lang="GA">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA">How to find it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA">From
Catletownsend, take the L4218 and turn left after about a mile at the signpost
for Catlehaven Castle. Travel down this road to Caslehaven until you reach the
bay. Go through the church grounds (now a ruin) and enter the gate, crossing
the stream and following the path up through the glen. The well is a short walk
up the other side after crossing the wooden bridge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-45191950116496992192013-03-01T08:59:00.006-08:002013-03-01T08:59:56.354-08:00Saint David’s Holy Well, Tinakilly, County Waterford.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSry6UNB2oI/UTDY-V1k-iI/AAAAAAAABBg/V1C7nHP5HAk/s1600/StDavidsCathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSry6UNB2oI/UTDY-V1k-iI/AAAAAAAABBg/V1C7nHP5HAk/s1600/StDavidsCathedral.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>St David's Cathedral, Wales</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Tinakilly is a
small hamlet in the peaceful and secluded townland of Woodhouse (not the
Woodhouse estate that Michael Jackson once tried to buy!) not far from the
village of Clashmore. At it’s heart sits a beautiful holy well dedicated to
Saint David, the patron Saint of Wales, whose feast day is the 1st March which
marks the day of his death in 601AD.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bzfmp9NoGM/UTDZTDIf89I/AAAAAAAABBo/uYfXH5dJ0Sg/s1600/saint+david%27s+well+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bzfmp9NoGM/UTDZTDIf89I/AAAAAAAABBo/uYfXH5dJ0Sg/s320/saint+david%27s+well+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The statue of Saint David at the well</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">We know a great
deal about Saint David. He was from an aristocratic family in Wales and lived
in the sixth century, his mother -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Non – also became a saint and he was educated and instructed in
Christianity by Saint Paulinus. He is responsible for setting up a monastic
settlement at Menevia, which later became known as Saint David’s in Wales where
an impressive Cathedral dating from 1181 now stands and in which sits a newly
restored shrine containing his relics. His monastic rule was severe. Monks were
to be diligent in regular fasting, they were not to eat any kind of meat or
ever allow alcohol to pass their lips, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they were not to use animals to help them plough the fields,
till the land or to carry burdens, but instead were expected to do such work
themselves, they were to spend every evening from sun-down to sleeping in
prayer, study and in transcribing the scriptures by hand. The monks were
expected to have ownership of nothing and if a monk asked to have something he
considered to be his (for instance, if he asked for ‘his’ book) they would be
severely disciplined. It was said at the time that David lived only off simple
bread and water, but he was known as being compassionate underneath this hard,
austere veneer and was well respected as a great orator. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5yLmgpZR9k/UTDZoT2Z0mI/AAAAAAAABBw/1UYzhwSTKRc/s1600/7424668604_b65732c861_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5yLmgpZR9k/UTDZoT2Z0mI/AAAAAAAABBw/1UYzhwSTKRc/s1600/7424668604_b65732c861_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Saint David's shrine in the Cathedral</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Saint David had a
significant influence on some Irish saints, most notably Saint Aidan (aka,
Mogue or Edan). He may also have had an influence on Declan as the Life of
Declan contains a fleeting reference to Declan and a few of his monks
travelling to Wales to meet with David and learn the art of oration in an
attempt to engage Ireland’s great ‘rhetoriticians’. These are presumably the
same ‘rhetoriticians’ that Patrick famously rails against in his Confessio, but
sadly we nothing about them. David’s chief biographer was Rhygyfarch who
compiled his Life in the eleventh century, but was keen to add to what he
compiled! His compiled Life contains wonderful stories of Saint David’s birth
in dramatic fashion, with lightning bolts and scores of angels and his death
occurs in a likewise manner. It is Rhygyfarch who first creates an Irish link,
suggesting that a Saint Elvis of Munster baptised David, but no matryrology,
none of the annals, nor any saints Life contains any reference to this mysterious
Saint Elvis, but it may be a mis-spelling of a derivative of Saint Ailbe. Other
than the curious tale in Rhygyfarch’s Life regarding the evasion of harm from
jealous monks and involving a ride on the back of a sea monster, there are no
records of David ever having made the journey to Ireland after his baptism, yet
from Dublin city down as far as Youghal his presence and influence is felt. In
this strip of the coastline there are numerous holy well’s dedicated to him,
many churches and chapels, schools and former homes and hospitals. His
influence on the saints of this area in Ireland was considerable, and many of
them took up his challenging lifestyle that was so influenced by the Egyptian
Fathers.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5R0l9xWBWY/UTDaFqaJuJI/AAAAAAAABB4/xnebEOPnlhc/s1600/saint+david%27s+well+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5R0l9xWBWY/UTDaFqaJuJI/AAAAAAAABB4/xnebEOPnlhc/s320/saint+david%27s+well+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Saint David's holy well</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The village of
Clashmore is closely associated with its own saint, Saint Mochua, and is the
second most important parish in the Baronry of the Decies after Ardmore. A holy
well sits at the very heart of the village and a pattern of sorts is observed
on 10th February. Mochua ( a pig farmer) existed in the area dominated by Saint
Declan and was deeply influenced by him, but there is no record of him meeting
or being directly influenced by Saint David. He died in 631AD, having been
murdered by locals. Up the hill out of the village of Clashmore, past a large
pig farm and into the townland of Woodhouse sits the holy well. Access to this
well is a little difficult. You have to cross a farmer’s field, then a stream
in a deep trench, then clamber up the bank into a grove of hazel trees. From
here you can follow the stream through the twisted trees to a peaceful spot. If
you arrive at the right time, you will find the well surrounded by daffodils
and in the distance you can hear quite clearly the bells of the Angelus
ringing.</span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> </span>
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<style> </style><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Very little is
known about this holy well, and very few people seem to be aware of its
existence. It has a sandy base through which the water bubbles up, sometimes
quite dramatically. It is a circular well with a low stone wall surrounding it,
flanked by numerous daffodils and with a small statue of Saint David dressed in
his episcopal attire. He holds a large cross and at his feet sits his symbol of
the dove (although it looks a little more like an eagle!). It is a very special
place, full of both mystery and beauty. There are no offerings left, no rags on
trees, just the silence and the bubbles. This is one of the most rewarding
wells I have visited, in part due to its untouched and somewhat wild nature,
but also because of its hidden location. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if Saint David’s feet never touched these shores, his
influence is certainly present, an influence that likely began in this area as
far back as Saint Declan.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1YD06NaMeU/UTDcJD2GuJI/AAAAAAAABCg/z-oLNuC9_-o/s1600/saint+david%27s+well+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R1YD06NaMeU/UTDcJD2GuJI/AAAAAAAABCg/z-oLNuC9_-o/s320/saint+david%27s+well+059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A pig on the farm</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Almighty God, who
called your servant Saint David to be a faithful and wise steward of your
mysteries for the people of Wales: in your mercy, grant that, following his
purity of life and zeal for the Gospel of Christ, we may with him receive the
crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. </span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Amen.</span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">How to find it:</span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">From the village
of Clashmore take the R671, turning right before you reach Clogh. Up the hill
of this narrow lane, and past a pig farm on the left, take the bend to the flat
part of the road on the right. High hedges surround the fields, but a view through
a gate on the left should reveal the ditch where the stream runs and the hazel
grove. Cross the field and stream and turn right up through the hazels to the
well.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3BbzVCCEyc/UTDdLSm7vYI/AAAAAAAABC4/RiT3aa8exRc/s1600/saint+david%2527s+well+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3BbzVCCEyc/UTDdLSm7vYI/AAAAAAAABC4/RiT3aa8exRc/s320/saint+david%2527s+well+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-54924294897702705692013-02-19T09:37:00.001-08:002013-02-19T09:37:36.065-08:00Angel’s Well, Black Abbey, Kilkenny.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQSZCmTRaT0/USOzH7PRPgI/AAAAAAAABAM/-e33OycQxIc/s1600/IMG_0427_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQSZCmTRaT0/USOzH7PRPgI/AAAAAAAABAM/-e33OycQxIc/s320/IMG_0427_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Black Abbey, Kilkenny</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Sometimes you
come across a holy well that has either little or no information about it at
all except in the memory of those who live nearby. Angel’s well is one such
example, but after a long search and quite a few questions, in early July of
2012 I finally found an answer from a quiet monk in the Black Abbey in Kilkenny
city.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP9iDuogY-s/USOzeUuYujI/AAAAAAAABAU/eF1lXz43gbk/s1600/DSCF5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP9iDuogY-s/USOzeUuYujI/AAAAAAAABAU/eF1lXz43gbk/s320/DSCF5288.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>The Abbey garden</i></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Black Abbey
is a curious place with a name that conjures mystery and a certain solidity.
It’s hidden behind houses, down a little back road and surrounded by the
typical Medieval meandering and narrow streets that one associates with
Medieval towns and cities like Kilkenny. It was originally built through the
generosity of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, in 1225. It’s original
structure was of a simple and plain stone abbey in a standard abbey shape, but
a tower was added in 1507. The interior aspect has changed, with the tower
rising above what is now the sanctuary which would originally have been the long
choir. The south aisle (which runs adjacent to the nave) is the entrance and
the now shortened choir is now the sanctuary. It’s an odd orientation that
doesn’t quite work and sadly it’s interior feels a little out of sorts and
somewhat patchy, with furnishings that are modern and simple and yet for some
reason still don’t quite fit. It’s not at all helped by the sanctuary sporting
a modern stained glass window which I didn’t find particular beautiful and is
far too dominant a force in the building. The Black Abbey has clearly suffered
much, not least during the dissolution of the monasteries during the reign of
Henry VIII when the abbey was closed for period and used as a court house. In
1603 however, the citizens of Kilkenny staged a minor coup, and seized the
abbey to return it to the Dominican Order. The future looked bright, but then
Oliver Cromwell came along with his forces and did what he was best at in
Ireland -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he sacked it and tore
down the nave. The rest of the church suffered in this sacking too and the
abbey was finally completely restored (minus its original sanctuary) in 1860.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7lGCxAYvo4/USOztZzSHZI/AAAAAAAABAc/rj6-kxJBfoA/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7lGCxAYvo4/USOztZzSHZI/AAAAAAAABAc/rj6-kxJBfoA/s320/IMG_0421.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i>The carving of the Holy Trinity</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">There are some
reasonable examples of Victorian stained glass in the abbey still, with a large
impressive Rosary Window <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(supposedly the largest stained glass window in Ireland)
adorning what was the south transept (the north transept seems to have
disappeared without trace; if there ever was one). Beside this sits an oddly
un-orthodox carving of the Holy Trinity (the dedication of the abbey) in the
sense that it has a figural depiction of God the Father complete with a beard
in the style of an Irish chieftain! Although the carving is dated to 1264 at
its base, various experts in the field have dated the carving to the later
fourteenth century. Whatever the case it is remarkably well preserved for it’s
age.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RS0kRyuGVHg/USO0CRn6VLI/AAAAAAAABAk/rrEUtmHQNkc/s1600/DSCF5294_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RS0kRyuGVHg/USO0CRn6VLI/AAAAAAAABAk/rrEUtmHQNkc/s320/DSCF5294_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A medieval narrow street in Kilkenny</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The outside of
the Black Abbey is directly on a road, but in the immediate vicinity of the
abbey walls you can see ten stone coffins lined up dating from the thirteenth
century. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across the street -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where part of the long choir and the
sanctuary would have been - is a small railed off garden with the holy well in
the top right hand corner. The Dominican Order settled initially in Dublin with
Kilkenny being the third site of settlement. The abbey was so named due to
their style of habit, with a black cloak or cappa worn over their cowls.
Founded by Saint Dominic, they were established as an order of preachers, but
quickly acquired the nickname of Dominicans; a play on words for Domini Canes,
or ‘God’s dogs’ whose primary function was to rid the Christian west of the
gnostic sects. As an order it has struggled to achieve it’s goals, having very
limited success in combating the gnostic Albigensian heresies and consistently
doing battle with paganism until a new battle line was drawn with humanism
during the Renaissance. The order was most effective during the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries in that period of western expansion and colonialism when
the Domnicans became galvanised in their teaching on human rights when they
witnessed the brutal treatment dished out by colonialists to native peoples. Despite
preaching and advocating a Gospel of equality for all people – a message deeply
unpopular and resented by many at the time – the order experienced a revival by
the end of the nineteenth century, which was probably fortuitous in the restoration
of the Black Abbey in Kilkenny. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWZMVby6UhI/USO0V2cuWDI/AAAAAAAABAs/Ss0ik8DyjcE/s1600/DSCF5293_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWZMVby6UhI/USO0V2cuWDI/AAAAAAAABAs/Ss0ik8DyjcE/s320/DSCF5293_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The dedication stone above the well</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The original
foundation had no water source and the monks had to travel up the hill out of
the confines of the abbey to fetch water from Saint Canice’s well (called
‘Kenny’s well’ by locals). When an outbreak of bubonic plague hit the city of
Kilkenny the monks knew that travelling backwards and forwards to the well each
day was becoming a dangerous activity as many of the sick and infected were now
permanently camped out around the holy well in hope of a cure. To avoid the
spread of infection to the members of the abbey the Dominicans requested that a
small channel be built from Saint Canice’s well to a deep trough in the grounds
of the abbey to allow the monks to draw water without having to leave the
abbey. The Bishop was said to have been greatly concerned at the effect this
might have upon the level of water in Saint Canice’s well and did not want all
the water to be drained to the abbey, especially in light of the many sick and
infected who were gathering at the well to pray for a cure. Legend has it he
finally relented to the request of the Dominicans by telling them they could
build their channel so long as it was no larger than the circumference of his
ring. The channel was built and the well housing made over the trough. Today the
water from Saint Canice’s well still flows through this very narrow channel
without any detrimental effect upon Saint Canice’s well up the hill. Over time
popular devotion around the redirected well grew and it began to be treated as
a separate holy well and even began to be called Angel’s Well; although nobody
is quite sure why it was given this name. William Grace, the mayor of Kilkenny,
erected a new well housing around it in 1885.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u20opkyTReU/USO0ol4GkAI/AAAAAAAABA0/f4LKwXBeO6E/s1600/DSCF5290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u20opkyTReU/USO0ol4GkAI/AAAAAAAABA0/f4LKwXBeO6E/s320/DSCF5290.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Angel's well</i></div>
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">It’s not easy to
get in close to this well as the garden area is often locked, although it is
clearly taken care of very well. The well on the other hand is slightly
neglected, with much silt and a few bits of rubbish. It’s a curious thing for a
well to gather its own forgotten history, but the mystery of why it is called
Angel’s Well will no doubt remain lost in the mists of history, but even if you
can’t get in to visit this well you can always go up the hill to the source of
the water in it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Grant O Lord
Jesus Christ, that I may persevere in good purposes, and in thy holy service,
to my death; and that I may this day perfectly begin, for all I have hitherto
done is nothing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> Amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">A prayer from the
Dublin Dominican Manual, 1913.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-BAYkTAiD8/USO1gr7WAbI/AAAAAAAABA8/2DqTMAcSI-g/s1600/DSCF5298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-BAYkTAiD8/USO1gr7WAbI/AAAAAAAABA8/2DqTMAcSI-g/s320/DSCF5298.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"> <i>Kilkenny city</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">How to find it:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The Black Abbey
is now clearly signposted and sits on the corner of Abbey Street. The small
railed garden is opposite and the well is in the top corner by the street.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-61526745577520304462013-01-01T07:10:00.001-08:002013-01-01T07:10:54.890-08:00Ladywell, Durrow, County Laois.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bszRM3WeBuU/UOL4AszNO5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/PM_eKVlirUo/s1600/DSCF8157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bszRM3WeBuU/UOL4AszNO5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/PM_eKVlirUo/s320/DSCF8157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The holy well</i></div>
<br />
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Ladywell is
situated outside of the town of Durrow and about 90 kilometres into County
Kilkenny, falling into the diocese of Ossory. At the site there is both a holy
well and a shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is listed, along with another
number of wells in a booklet produced by Canon Carrigan, who was considered to
be a diocesan historian. When I visited major works were underway and it was
impossible to get close to the well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>The Shrine to the Virgin</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">In more recent
years, Ladywell has undergone very significant change with the fencing off of a
field for use as a car park, the erection of a fairly significant modern
concrete shrine to the Virgin and the transformation of a shed into an open air
chapel of sorts, complete with pews and chairs to accommodate around two hundred
or so people. The well itself was undergoing some work when I visited,
surrounded by caging and set within broken quarry stone. I can only hope that
archaeologists were consulted before this work was carried out, but I somehow
doubt it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZBUcrktVMk/UOL4ykAbcpI/AAAAAAAAA88/v_SE2HdeynU/s1600/DSCF8162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZBUcrktVMk/UOL4ykAbcpI/AAAAAAAAA88/v_SE2HdeynU/s320/DSCF8162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>The large seating area at the well</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The parish
priests of the area have long had concerns about the practices at this
particular well and decided throughout the history of the well to try and
remove what they considered to be ‘pagan’ or ‘semi-pagan’ practices. The praying
of ‘rounds’ has been discouraged even to this day and the trees have been
removed to stop the tying of rags. Making ‘rounds’ has always been an early
Christian practice; firstly, to be done in such a way as to greet the rising
sun, secondly as a way of invoking the Trinity (done three times), and thirdly
as a symbolic act for those who could not afford to make the pilgrimage to
Jerusalem, or in times when it was considered to dangerous to do so. The
practice reached its zenith in the medieval period with the development of
labyrinths, some of which still survive in medieval cathedrals today traced out
in tiles on the floor. There are no tokens left at the well either. Early
traditions included bringing a stone, small or large, which you took with you
for the entire pilgrimage to the well and sometimes they were deposited there.
It’s hard to know exactly why this practice was done, but it may have a
parallel in a practice done on Atonement Day in Judaism, linked to the casting
off of sin. Tying rags or ‘clouties’ is a relatively modern practice associated
with prayers for healing. In the past, pilgrims carried a strip of white linen
or cotton (which presumable became quite dirty along the way) and tied it to
the tree as a symbol of forgiveness and the washing away of sin. The practice
in this ‘pure form’ was still going on in County Down at holy wells into the
early 1980’s and many white linen strips could be seen at wells. But even then,
there were signs of it being replaced by the more modern practice. The idea of
hanging your sins on the tree has of course very strong Christian parallels to
Christ on the cross. Trees were also important in pre-Christian Celtic times
and the presence of trees at holy wells is something of a pagan hangover with
some evidence that the early Irish saints were happy to accommodate or tolerate
their veneration, but exactly why certain trees were venerated in some places
is unclear and it isn’t clear either as to why the early Irish saints
accommodated this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>Ongoing works at the well</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">Ladywell during
much of the nineteenth century was a somewhat obscure well, rarely visited. It
lay in the centre of a field, accessed by a narrow grassy path where a large
and ancient hawthorn bent over the spring well. Today, the well is clearly
attracting much attention and obviously accommodates significant gatherings. In
ancient times Ladywell was one of the stations on the Rosconnell pilgrimage.
Little is now known of this ancient pilgrimage route or what other wells were
included. The first mention comes in 1731 in a report from the Church of
Ireland Bishop Tennyson of Ossory who laments that the building of booths in
deep trenches all around the walls of his church at the time of the pattern and
he expresses some concern that it might have a negative effect on the
structure. By 1870 the traditions at Ladywell had begun to fade away. The
Reverend Patrick Neary, curate of Ballyouskill and member of the Ossory Archaeological
Society remarks that he found someone who remembered tents being erected at
the well during the Feast of the Assumption, so we can assume that because he
records a remembrance the tradition had essentially stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>Scapula's left at the shrine</i></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">The diocese of
Ossory was somewhat strict about practices at holy wells (dare I say it, a
tradition they seem keen to keep up today to a degree) and in 1810 began to
stamp out any practices in the diocese. The effect of this was to remove all
but the most significant Irish saints from the church’s calendar, although
today things are beginning to change a little. Another result was the neglect
of holy wells and pilgrimage sites and even the remembrance of local saints,
with much material being lost, deliberately destroyed and some holy wells even
being filled in. At one point the diocese even announced a ban from the pulpit
on any attempts to make pilgrimages to holy wells. Oddly, this was the trigger
for the revival of interest in Ladywell. A crowd of four hundred people made a
pilgrimage to the holy well in defiance of the diocesan order. The crowd stayed
at the well for some time and a police report filed on 15th August 1881 records
that the gathering was orderly and passed off peacefully. In 1900 Tom Delaney
from Ballinakill erected a stone cross at the well. Interest in the well
continued until 1929 when a committee was formed to look after the well and
they erected a collection box to garner funds for a statue of the Virgin. A
statue was duly purchased and a small altar was carved by James Coady of
Ballinakill which stood in the open air until a shrine was made to enclose it
in 1942.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">It wasn’t until
the 15th August 1940 that the Catholic church finally recognised the site as
being of religious importance to people, and an understanding priest (Fr William
Kerwick) said the first public rosary at the shrine. It was Fr Kerwick who
mobilised the committee to apply for the plot of land around the well and this
application was successful in 1948 with rights granted for public right of way.
From this time on the services and prayers at the shrine and well have
continued to develop and grow and the well has undergone subsequent changes
right up to the present day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8uFtZFRASzw/UOL5yFFUZEI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/aAxLkbMpPew/s1600/DSCF8161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8uFtZFRASzw/UOL5yFFUZEI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/aAxLkbMpPew/s320/DSCF8161.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i> The statue of the Virgin</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">When you arrive
on the site the first thing you see is the large barn with chairs and pews that
provides shelter for the services and the reciting of the rosary. The statue in
the shrine dates from 1954 and was purchased to commemorate the Marian year.
The first mass at the well was celebrated by Bishop Peter Birch of Ossory on 15th
August 1980, but the practice of making ‘rounds’ was publicly discouraged. By
the year 2000, the clergy of the local churches were slightly less concerned
about trees and bushes near the well and an oak tree was planted – although not
anywhere near the well it must be said! In 2001 a tradition began of marking a
novena from 31st August until 8th September with the public saying of the
rosary, benediction and a guest speaker each evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">I don’t know if
water is drawn from the well anymore, but when I visited a set of steps was
being built down to it. It must have been quite deep and maybe even dangerous
in days gone by, but now it is clearly visible and will be easily accessed when
the works are completed. It appears to have a significant lime content as the
water has a milky quality, but this may have been from recent works. It is not
entirely a peaceful place, but it has become so bound up with the events that
take place on 15th August that it is somewhat hard to get a sense of it when you
visit outside these times. It is somewhat barren in terms of its surrounding
countryside and there is certainly a sense of being exposed to the elements.
Many holy wells are in picturesque locations and often sheltered in valleys and
hidden by trees, but this well is exposed to the wilds of the Irish weather and
one can imagine that in times past this well was probably more about a
pilgrimage of penance than a resort for solace of the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn_9_24F0yM/UOL6I0Dsg8I/AAAAAAAAA9g/e519ngfZxZI/s1600/DSCF8158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn_9_24F0yM/UOL6I0Dsg8I/AAAAAAAAA9g/e519ngfZxZI/s320/DSCF8158.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>Ladywell today</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">
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</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">We magnify thee,
O Mother of the True Light,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">And we glorify
thee, O virgin saint, birth-giver of God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">For thou hast
borne unto us the Saviour of the world;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">He came and saved
our souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>Coptic Orthodox
intercession to the Virgin.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">How to find it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;">On the road out
of Durrow towards the town land of Ballinakill the holy well is clearly signposted
down a narrow road to the right. Towards the end of this road a large tree sits
in the centre of the road and to the right is a grassy area surrounded by
tarmac and the well is situated at the far end of this site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dccqjy25TUo/UOL6w2YnmMI/AAAAAAAAA9o/GUG_O-lSyjM/s1600/DSCF8157_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dccqjy25TUo/UOL6w2YnmMI/AAAAAAAAA9o/GUG_O-lSyjM/s320/DSCF8157_2.JPG" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="GA" style="mso-ansi-language: GA;"><i>The original stone cross?</i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-62860826935130322472012-12-13T14:33:00.002-08:002015-06-16T01:48:03.427-07:00Saint Kavan’s Well, Annatrim, County Laois.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aRDkVoJVb40/UMpPYbr1ftI/AAAAAAAAA6w/fLVMJ5RgzY0/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aRDkVoJVb40/UMpPYbr1ftI/AAAAAAAAA6w/fLVMJ5RgzY0/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The sign at the holy well</i></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Nestling in the silent shadow of the Slieve Bloom Mountains,
and by the meandering River Nore there remains but a few small signs of a
significant monastic settlement that existed until the time of dissolution. Not
far from the village of Coolrain, a small and beautifully cared for church
oozes a certain Celtic austerity. It is the church of Ireland parish of
Annatrim (or Anatrim) that was built in 1835 and it sits beside a now dilapidated structure
that was an earlier church, possibly dating from around the early 1700’s that
looks almost Spanish in style, and which also may incorporate some of the
original monastic ruins. The Red Book of Ossory lists a church on the site as
the Parish of Enahtrum in 1510, so it is likely that there was yet another
earlier church built here too. Not far down the hill from the church lies the
holy well of Saint Kavan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwgzx81oL14/UMpPlZrGFwI/AAAAAAAAA64/ZgS00iihCuU/s1600/l130p001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwgzx81oL14/UMpPlZrGFwI/AAAAAAAAA64/ZgS00iihCuU/s320/l130p001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Church of Ireland Parish of Annatrim</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Annatrim, which from the Irish ‘Eanach Truim’, means the
marsh of the Elder tree, and was the site of an ancient monastery. Up to the
tenth century the River Nore marked the boundary between Leix and Ossory. It is
said that Saint Mochaemhog was the first to establish the monastic site. We are
told of this in the Annals of Annatrim Monastery itself, but of the life of the
monastery (or in fact of any other detail relating to it) the annals are
curiously silent. They tell us absolutely nothing; but this is not the only
mystery which surrounds this site.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay9ym23sTPA/UMpWJSzsEHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/Kz9sJb9nyko/s1600/slieve-bloom-greyhobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay9ym23sTPA/UMpWJSzsEHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/Kz9sJb9nyko/s320/slieve-bloom-greyhobbit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Slieve Bloom Mountains</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Saint Kavan (sometimes incorrectly spelt Saint Kavin) is an
Irish nickname for the Welsh Saint Cadfan (Kavan in Irish meaning ‘wise man’,
Cadfan in Welsh meaning Gideon, but in his day he acquired the nickname Kadvan
which in Welsh means ‘warring wise’). It’s essentially a play on words - a very
common practice in that early period of Irish Christianity. We don’t know a
great deal about Saint Cadfan, but we do know that he was originally from
Brittany and went on a missionary journey to Wales where he established two
important important religious settlements. One was Tywyn and the other was
Bardsey Island which he established in 516 and remained there as Abbot until
542. Bardsey Island settlement was to become one of the most important Medieval
pilgrimage sites in all of Wales. It is a small island of three square miles,
which offered some protection for the wars that raged on the mainland at the
time. There are no records of Saint Cadfan ever travelling to Ireland, and
certainly the religious site at Annatrim was only established about ten years after
his death, so it would have been impossible for him to have had a hand in its
construction and settlement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyfpREXZuOM/UMpQhlxIIiI/AAAAAAAAA7A/c7vteXAKrWo/s1600/52033388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyfpREXZuOM/UMpQhlxIIiI/AAAAAAAAA7A/c7vteXAKrWo/s320/52033388.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The ruined church</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Bardsey Island is still considered to be a holy place of
pilgrimage today and the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>place of
the burial of Saint Cadfan. Sadly in the nineteenth century the grave marker –
which is an ancient stone with the earliest known written form of Welsh – was
moved into a newly built church and those who moved it did not mark the place
from whence it came! There are no records in Wales of Cadfan ever leaving
Bardsey Island so there is a certain mystery as to why this Welsh saint would
be commemorated in Annatrim – if that who is being commemorated there!. We know
that there have been Welsh connections with Ireland and her saints before -
such as the Welsh connection to Saint Aidan in Ferns diocese and the connection
with Saint David in County Wexford, but this one is a bit of a mystery. It is
possible that Saint Mochaemhog trained in Wales and was influenced by Saint
Cadfan, but we cannot be sure and any suggestion of this kind can only ever be pure
conjecture. It’s made more curious still by the pattern day that used to be
celebrated at the holy well. On Bardsey Island there is also a holy well
dedicated to Saint Cadfan and the day of pilgrimage to it takes place on the 1<sup>st</sup>
November, but in Ireland the pattern to this well takes place on 3<sup>rd</sup>
November, however this could be a transference from celebrating the day on
either All Saints or All Souls Day – but there may be yet another explanation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fR3qlZBRuoE/UMpRVJkYvKI/AAAAAAAAA7I/TitJXZg6ovg/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fR3qlZBRuoE/UMpRVJkYvKI/AAAAAAAAA7I/TitJXZg6ovg/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Looking up the road from the holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is one other possibility, which is a bit of a shot in
the dark, but it may shed some light on the mystery of the holy well. In a book
entitled ‘Insula Sanctorum et Doctorum’, John Healy records a story of Saint
Columba of Terryglass travelling with Saint Fintan, Saint Mocumin and Saint
Caemhen of Annatrim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an
ancient legend that claims that Fintan was born in Annatrim, but there are
little records of who Saint Caehmen of Annatrim was, as mentioned by Healy. In
the tale the four travelers are searching for a place to establish a religious
settlement. As they walk across the top of the Slieve Bloom Mountains they come
across a boy who is herding sheep who has been dumb since birth. Saint Columba
of Terryglass has pity on the child and making the sign of the cross over his
mouth, the boy begins to speak and tells the travelers that it is near here
that they will experience their resurrection, for it is here that they will
remain until death. Saint Columba of Terryglass looks down from the
mountainside and sees a great company of angels in the area of Clonenagh moving
backwards and forwards preparing the ground for the great harvest that will
take place as a result of their settlement. Saint Columba of Terryglass,
echoing the words of one of the disciples at the event of the transfiguration,
proclaims, ‘It is good for us to be here.’ It’s tempting to think that this
long forgotten Saint Caemhen of Annatrim is in fact Saint Kavan, but again it
may only be part conjecture. The annals of the original settlement are curiously
silent and John Healy does not document the source of this tale of Saint
Caemhen whose feast day is recorded in the nineteenth century as the 12<sup>th</sup>
June by Colgan, but it is likely that it is a variant on a form that can be
found in the Life of Fintan of Clonenagh. In that Saint’s Life, Fintan is said
to journey with Saint Coeman of Annatrim. Variations of spelling are common in
Ireland, and I’m not well versed enough in Irish names to know if Caemhen and
Coeman might be easily interchangeable, but it all adds layers to
the mystery of this area and it’s well’s dedication. It may be that the names
of Saint Caemhen and Saint Kavan have become confused in a process of anglicisation
and that the similarities between the name of Kavan and Cadfan are merely
chance. In the Martyrology of Donegal Saint Coeman’s feast day is listed as 3<sup>rd</sup>
November with the following entry; ‘Coeman of Eanach Truim, in Laoighis, in the
west of Leinster. He was of the race of Labhraidh Lorc, monarch of Erin, and
brother of Caoimhghin [Kevin] of Gleann-da-locha.’ It's hard to know why Coeman would become Kavan, but it's a intriguing possibility and probably the most likely possibility in light of the scant evidence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPlTIQUMU4U/UMpUWC-sHXI/AAAAAAAAA7s/6lXRByrrst8/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPlTIQUMU4U/UMpUWC-sHXI/AAAAAAAAA7s/6lXRByrrst8/s320/IMG_0867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The holy well, barely visible beneath the brambles</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A pattern day is supposed to be held at the holy well on the
3<sup>rd</sup> November, but it appears that this has not taken place since
around 1830. The well is also said to have had a special stone, known as Saint
Kavan’s stone, but it is in fact a large millstone, possibly from the old
ruined mills that once dominated the village of Coolrain. The stone is a large
flat flagstone with an incised circle, having two circular recesses cut into it
on top and two rectangular recesses underneath. On the day I was there it was
impossible to see anything. The well itself was barely visible through the
mounds of weeds and brambles (a somewhat ironic symbol of it tangled history), and it was impossible to say if the millstone was
still present. Despite it’s shabby appearance, the well is still marked and
local people know of its existence, but with much mystery surrounding its
dedication, it is likely that a pattern around it will never revive and sadly
this well will probably only remain a curiosity. If on the other hand it were
possible to untangle the Kavan’s the Coeman’s and and the Caemhen’s and finally
settle on the listing in the Martyrology of Donegal, then a revival of the
pattern and a remembrance of a forgotten Irish saint might just be possible - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but I fear that we might have to wait
until something else is uncovered in terms of documentation to clear the
entanglements up!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcw5UqodnGU/UMpUtIdXQ9I/AAAAAAAAA70/JNUrBQLRzeA/s1600/4442169653_07a434fff7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcw5UqodnGU/UMpUtIdXQ9I/AAAAAAAAA70/JNUrBQLRzeA/s320/4442169653_07a434fff7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A picture of Saint Kavan's stone from days when the well was less neglected</i><br />
<i>Photograph courtesy of </i>http://www.thestandingstone.ie<br />
<br /></div>
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Be each saint in heaven,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Each sainted woman in heaven,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Each angel in heaven</div>
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Stretching their arms for you,</div>
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Smoothing the way for you,</div>
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When you go thither</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Over the river hard to see;</div>
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Oh when you go thither home</div>
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Over the river hard to see.</div>
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<br />
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<i>A Welsh blessing from a collection by Alexander Carmichael.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzORZuKcYRg/UMpVNv5-v5I/AAAAAAAAA78/w0_KCqtlE10/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzORZuKcYRg/UMpVNv5-v5I/AAAAAAAAA78/w0_KCqtlE10/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From the Church of Ireland parish Annatrim, walk down the
hill away from the church and the church ruins and not far down you will see a
large metal sign indicating the presence of the well.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-51451378275669042732012-11-19T07:01:00.001-08:002012-11-19T07:01:17.586-08:00Saint Lachtain’s Holy Well, Freshford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnIDpNZgszo/UKpEIWA2foI/AAAAAAAAA40/dNCEx-rkLuc/s1600/DSCF7769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KnIDpNZgszo/UKpEIWA2foI/AAAAAAAAA40/dNCEx-rkLuc/s320/DSCF7769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A zoomorphic image in the arch of St Lachtain's church</i></div>
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In the picturesque little village of Freshford in County
Kilkenny lies a deep holy well dedicated to Saint Lachtain. The village is
settled on a small park square with the remnants of an Irish high cross, but
sadly all that is to be seen is a lump of worn stone. A little way down from
the village square is the church of Saint Lachtain, built in 1731 and
incorporating an ancient doorway portal from 1110. Although the actual church
building is of a relatively late date, the site is of great historical
significance in Ireland as a site of almost continuous use since its early
foundation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn0kdG9KzSA/UKpEgvmIkxI/AAAAAAAAA5A/39kC53ka8pg/s1600/DSCF7764_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn0kdG9KzSA/UKpEgvmIkxI/AAAAAAAAA5A/39kC53ka8pg/s320/DSCF7764_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i> The ancient archway of St Lachtain's church</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The original foundation at Freshford was settled some time
in the seventh century before the death of Saint Lachtain in 672AD (some annals
record the earlier date of 622AD, but this may be a confusion with the date of
the foundation of the first church at Freshford) and very early historical
records make many references to the existence of the site. It is mentioned
later in various Annals dating from the twelfth and thirteenth century, where
an attempt is clearly being made to have the site recognized as the Episcopal
centre of the newly established diocese of Ossory. The mission met with failure
with the site being recognized only a part of the temporalities of the See of
Ossory in 1218. However, Bishop Hugh Mapleton held it in high esteem and built
his Episcopal palace close by called Uppercourt. Uppercourt was to remain the
favoured residence of the Bishop’s of Ossory until the 1550’s when Bishop John
Bale was resident. This Bishop had a voracious reforming zeal which enraged the
local population and in a single night they murdered five of his servants,
forcing him to flee for his life. Since then, the building of Uppercourt has
been in secular ownership.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frT5A8trMDU/UKpE43jT9iI/AAAAAAAAA5I/dZaeaej9R_Q/s1600/DSCF7770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frT5A8trMDU/UKpE43jT9iI/AAAAAAAAA5I/dZaeaej9R_Q/s320/DSCF7770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The village of Freshford</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today the church of Saint Lachtain is still in regular use
and the nave of the church is thought to be built on the same foundation
outline as the tenth century cell church (the second church to built on the
site) which was built to house the relic of Saint Lachtain’s arm; a magnificent
silver and gold reliquary which housed the saints forearm bones and which can be
seen in the National Museum in Dublin. It’s nothing short of a miracle that the
relic survived at all as the site was plundered numerous times by the Vikings
and casual robbers, who repeatedly burned its books and plundered its silver
and gold. The Franciscan’s moved the reliquary to County Kerry in the mid
1600’s where it was to stay for some time before being transferred into the
care of the Museum in Dublin. The doorway to the church is the oldest surviving
part of it, dating to 1110 and incorporating some zoomorphic figures, a rider
on horseback and two ecclesiastical figures (both unidentified). The arch
carries a prayer inscribed in Irish script: Pray for Niamh, daughter of Corc,
and for Mathgamhan O Clearmaic for whom this church was made. Pray for Gille
Mocholmoc for whom this church was made. Pray for Gille Mocholmoc O Ceannucain
who made it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbLO423MGko/UKpFWmO2lcI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/bRIR-Casveo/s1600/DSCF7768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbLO423MGko/UKpFWmO2lcI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/bRIR-Casveo/s320/DSCF7768.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Two ecclesiastical figures in the arch</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Saint Lachtain’s day is celebrated on 19<sup>th</sup> March.
A native of Muskerry in County Cork and born into an illustrious family, Saint
Lachtain’s arrival was shrouded in mystery in a vision given to Saint Molua
while under the oversight of Saint Comgall of Bangor. It was said that Saint
Molua was so disturbed by this vision, and in fear that it he had fantasised
the whole thing himself, he never broke a smile until he heard of the child’s
birth! Lachtains genealogy is confused, but it is generally regarded that he
was of royal lineage. The earliest life of the saint (which only records his
early years) is now lost, but various writers such as Colgan records a story from
it regarding how the child in the womb appeared in a vision to a blind man by
the name of Mohemeth to give him his sight. Other stories relating to
Lachtain’s childhood portray him in the same vein as Jacob, Jeremiah and John
the Baptist, sanctified before their birth - a common device used in early
Irish Saint’s Life’s. Other miracles from his childhood relate how he healed
himself of food poisoning, how he healed his mother of a terminal tumor and how
he saved the cattle of the area from a terrible plague.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbxYiKC9oms/UKpFiZnX8YI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/CA3hyVCjsy8/s1600/bell_sleeper_stlachtin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbxYiKC9oms/UKpFiZnX8YI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/CA3hyVCjsy8/s320/bell_sleeper_stlachtin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The shrine reliquary of Saint Lachtain's arm</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In later Life accounts of the saint we are told how he
journeyed northward and went to study under the direction of Saint Comgall in
Bangor, who placed him in the care of Saint Molua as his guardian and teacher.
He remained here until the age of thirty, studying diligently and being highly
proficient in his knowledge of the scriptures. After this period in Bangor,
Lachtain set out to establish a number of religious foundations both in County
Kilkenny and in County Cork.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb2DKsCMmXQ/UKpF8xeMeKI/AAAAAAAAA5g/E09d4LkfJU0/s1600/DSCF7782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb2DKsCMmXQ/UKpF8xeMeKI/AAAAAAAAA5g/E09d4LkfJU0/s320/DSCF7782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The much neglected holy well</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The saint’s holy well is a short walk from the ecclesiastical
site, set off slightly from the main road into the village. O’Hanlon records it
as being in great disrepair and utterly neglected by the local people, but the
same well is mentioned in the ancient Life of Saint Mochoemoc (an Abbott in the
time of Saint Lachtain’s later years and patron saint of LIsmore) as being a
place ‘sacred to the memory of Saint Lachtain’. Saint Lachtain died on the 19<sup>th</sup>
March in 672AD and within a very short period of his death he was being
venerated as a saint, recorded in the martyrology of AEngus of Culdee, the
Martyrology of Tallaght, of Marianus O’Gorman, of Maguire, O’Clery’s, in the
Calendar of Cashel, and more curiously the saint appears in the sanctorale of
the Carthusian Order throughout Europe on the same date. There are a number of
Holy Wells dedicated to Saint Lachtain throughout Ireland and all of them hold
in common a belief that they cure paralytics and those ‘possessed by a
diabolical agency’. The waters in the holy well at Freshford are considered
beneficial for the blessing of cattle; possibly relating to an account in one
of the Life’s which tells of the Saint’s gift of cattle to the people and of
his love of dairy food. Saint Lachtain was also highly regarded as a broker of
peace between warring factions and tribal scuffles, and was said to have been a
keen defender of the interests of the people of Munster. In later martyrologies
he is recorded as being a Bishop, but despite the record, it is a claim that is
difficult to ascertain in truth. Overall, Lachtain’s life is one that tells of
supreme sacrifice, leaving behind his royal rights to enter a life of
self-giving and risking his life in peacemaking for the people he loved. A
healer, a teacher and a man of prayer who travelled by faith the length and
breath of Ireland, Saint Lachtain’s memory is firmly fixed in Freshford; a
sleepy, peaceful little village in County Kilkenny.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pY2XUMfQ_W4/UKpGbK0QbAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/rUZyo7eNYZM/s1600/DSCF7777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pY2XUMfQ_W4/UKpGbK0QbAI/AAAAAAAAA5w/rUZyo7eNYZM/s320/DSCF7777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The modern, small cross at the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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At some point the holy well at Freshford has gone through
very significant alteration, with a boundary wall now built to separate it from
the surrounding farmer’s fields, and an iron gate encompassing a cross erected
at its entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Conservation
Plan from 2004, typically makes no mention of the well at all. The holy well
itself is very deep, but badly neglected. Its culverts have become blocked, so
the water fills up over the top of the circular well housing and because of the
lack of flow, much green algae has grown on the surface of the water. The rest
of the well housing is in good condition, with a tiny stone cross in one
corner. It is a simple layout and easy to make rounds, but the waters are far
from inviting! Despite being on a main road into the village, it is a peaceful
place with its own peculiar charm and sleepy nature. A much overlooked site that’s
well worth the visit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUofXaG9TXA/UKpHLqLMe9I/AAAAAAAAA54/jEhsO0RSTkk/s1600/DSCF7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUofXaG9TXA/UKpHLqLMe9I/AAAAAAAAA54/jEhsO0RSTkk/s320/DSCF7779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The iron gate at the entrance to the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Lachtain, the Champion, loved</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Humility, perfect and pure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Stand through perpetual time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Did he in defence of the men of Munster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Cumineus of Connor.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
O thou who art heroic love, keep alive in our hearts that
adventurous spirit which makes men scorn the way of safety, so that thy will be
done. For so only, O Lord, shall we be worthy of those courageous souls who in
every age have ventured all in obedience to thy call, and for whom the trumpets
have sounded on the other side; through Jesus Christ our Lord. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>John H. Oldham</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyTeEv9YgPQ/UKpHgstJD4I/AAAAAAAAA6A/IjaoUrFwY2w/s1600/DSCF7773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyTeEv9YgPQ/UKpHgstJD4I/AAAAAAAAA6A/IjaoUrFwY2w/s320/DSCF7773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>The stump of the high cross</i></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From Kilkenny heading out to the village of Freshford, the
holy well is located around 200 metres before the village on the right hand side
of the road. As you enter the village, the church is located down a road to the
right off the main village green.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRToaz4nJfU/UKpH44OGb-I/AAAAAAAAA6I/z53hPxD9Jgk/s1600/DSCF7766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRToaz4nJfU/UKpH44OGb-I/AAAAAAAAA6I/z53hPxD9Jgk/s320/DSCF7766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A cross inscribed in the doorway of the church</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-55724227353115393852012-10-22T06:11:00.001-07:002012-10-22T06:13:51.194-07:00Saint Kieran’s Holy Well, Seir Kieran<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsQobVnfjZo/UIU_CiRpDUI/AAAAAAAAA2s/rm8XxcGBDZw/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsQobVnfjZo/UIU_CiRpDUI/AAAAAAAAA2s/rm8XxcGBDZw/s320/IMG_0804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The sign on the gate</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Seir Kieran is a small hamlet in County Offaly where Saint
Kieran’s well can be found and his ‘holy bush’. Close by are the ruins of an
ancient monastic complex and round tower, where a high King of Ireland is said
to have been buried and where you can see the foot of what must have been a
truly huge high cross.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFdRemDVAHA/UIU_dt8VjjI/AAAAAAAAA20/xfDcefY3KqY/s1600/IMG_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFdRemDVAHA/UIU_dt8VjjI/AAAAAAAAA20/xfDcefY3KqY/s320/IMG_0862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The church</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Legend has it that Saint Kieran the Elder settled in this
area and founded a monastery here. The exact date of the foundation is unknown,
but patching together the archaeological clues and the hagiographical ones
would lead you to pinpoint the foundation to somewhere before 490AD. For many
years this was the seat of the Bishop of this area, and the stone seat – which
now resides in Kilkenny Cathedral – is said to have been the Bishop’s throne.
This was to remain the ‘official’ seat of the Bishop of Ossory until the
standardization of monastic and church practice with the arrival of the
Augustinian Canons in 1200AD who were keen to remove the ‘wayward’ Celtic
practices of the Irish monastic system and to keep the church in line with what
was happening in the rest of Europe.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The stump of the high cross</i></div>
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The monastic site is now a collection of crumbling ruins. A
few small chapel ruins can be viewed and clearly plotted and the remains of a
round tower (thought to have been constructed in the tenth century) are still
visible, but on the whole the site has been greatly tampered with due to its
continued use as a graveyard and the fact that the ground has become very uneven.
A few interesting gravestones are scattered around - both ancient and modern
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a very ancient one bearing the
inscription ‘ Ordo Cherball’ (pray for Cherball). In the 1930’s a large base
for an ancient high cross dating to the early ninth century was unearthed. The
base of this cross is both significantly larger and taller than either of the
two very large high crosses at Monasterboice, which would lead you to think
that it was a very significant cross. Sadly, no other pieces have been
unearthed, but the on the base you could at one time see the image of Adam and
Eve being cast out of the garden of Eden and a curious battle scene of men
marching with spears behind a large horse. Today the base of the cross is so
badly weathered that you cannot make out any of the figures at all. Locals say
that the water that gathers in the cross stump has curative properties,
especially for warts!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><i>Saint Kieran's Holy Bush</i></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There is a rather fine little Church of Ireland chapel on
the site which is still used for services. It is of far more modern
construction than anything else on the site, but incorporates stonework from
the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries, and its tracery window dates from the
thirteenth century. At one time a Sheela-na-Gig sat over the main door of the
church; but this was removed and taken to the Dublin Museum some time ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8g7m-3_cFIk/UIVArjKh8lI/AAAAAAAAA3M/_4poZ3igTr4/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8g7m-3_cFIk/UIVArjKh8lI/AAAAAAAAA3M/_4poZ3igTr4/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The holy stone</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Saint Kieran the Elder was said to have been trained and
instructed by Saint Patrick. He was then sent out into Ossory to found a
monastery and Saint Patrick had given him a bell to travel with. These bells
seem to have been very significant for these early Irish monastic settlements
and their saints. They acted as a call to prayer, as a way of possibly getting
peoples attention in the local area, but they were also symbols of the presence
of God and became valuable relics associated with many saints. There were
undoubtedly other symbolic associations with these bells because their
structure and sound was really very distinctive. In this instance, the story is
told that the bell given to Saint Kieran rang out of its own accord to indicate
when the saint had arrived at a suitable location for his monastery.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>An old church ruin on the monastic site (with a cow in it)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Very close to the church and to the side of the road is
what is known as Kieran’s holy bush which has become a cloutie tree, holding
all manner of objects. Beneath this tree is a small rock in the ground said to
hold the imprints of the knees of the saint where he knelt to pray. This is in
fact incorrect; the stone, which is now under great clumps of grass and moss –
was once said to have been the hand print of the saint. In 1838 Thomas O’Connor
wrote a letter to those involved in mapping the area and in the letter he
records much interesting detail, including the presence of a white thorn bush by
the side of the road said to be the saints bush. Beneath the bush he describes
the presence of a small stone with the very clear imprint of a hand on it.
Today, the hand is no longer visible as the stone is greatly worn, but a deep
cross has also been incised into it, so any ‘imprint’ would be difficult to
make out. Thomas O’Connor writes that promises or vows are made at this stone
and the intercession of the saint is sought here also.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The site of the holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Across the road from the bush and stone is Saint Kieran’s
well. Saint Kieran’s feast day is the 5<sup>th</sup> March and an ecumenical
service is normally held at the bush and the well. The well itself is of a
large square construction, and despite the fact that it has been ‘beautified’
with more more concrete than a nearby motorway and hedging that protects you from the elements but removes the beautiful view, it still retains the ancient
stones of the well housing intact. It appears to all intents and purposes to be
an immersion pool, with steps leading down into it. The water is murky and full
of algae, but it is cleaned out for the feast day. It has plenty of space to do
the traditional ‘rounds’ and the surrounding countryside is certainly beautiful
and peaceful.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOSJoEx_9WM/UIVB8a1esEI/AAAAAAAAA3o/xSQ2fxNR23U/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOSJoEx_9WM/UIVB8a1esEI/AAAAAAAAA3o/xSQ2fxNR23U/s320/IMG_0783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Kieran's Holy Well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Like many places in Ireland, this is a site and holy well
that has been much neglected and really only held interest for a few faithful
locals. But times are changing and there is a revival of interest in these
sites and in holy wells. In many ways I think part of it is linked to peoples’
sense of devotion to God and the activity of gathering as a community to share
in a pilgrimage to a site – no matter how short that pilgrimage is! Patterns
are becoming increasingly popular again after a long period of neglect and even
attempts to stop them altogether. The pattern here at Saint Keiran’s holy well,
bush, stone and monastic site is experiencing a little revival of a sort and
there is now even a Facebook page devoted to the pattern.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Cobwebs in the morning dew</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Saint Kieran arrived in Offaly at a time when great
superstitions were destroying the minds and the peace of the people. His
influence in that early period was great, and his Rule for his monks was simple
and short. It inspired others in the local area to join his monastery and to
try and rid themselves of the shackles of tributes to be constantly paid to
unjust and greedy chieftains in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was essentially much of Kieran’s work in the area and it is both
ironic and sad that by 1200AD the same crippling tributes were enforced through
the Augustinian Canons who essentially courted the rich as patrons and spelt
the end of the simple Irish monastic Rule. Much of what we know of Kieran’s
life comes from two sources: the ancient source of the Life of Keiran as
recorded in the Codex Kilkenniensis and a small document held in the Marsh’s
Library in Dublin, thought to be the work of Saint Evan (who also collected
stories of the life of Saint Patrick), but the actual document dates to the
fourteenth century. Both documents record the point where the bell rang out as
being beside the holy well which sprang from a great rock deep in the earth and
where the saint first stopped to bathe himself and make a small hut as a
dwelling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQM9MbDXJ-k/UIVCxD650WI/AAAAAAAAA38/2aPehNgov5w/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQM9MbDXJ-k/UIVCxD650WI/AAAAAAAAA38/2aPehNgov5w/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The monastic site</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
May the blessing of rain fall on us - the soft sweet rain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
May it fall upon our spirit so that all the little flowers
may spring up, and spread their sweetness on the air. May the blessing of the
great rains be upon us, that they may beat upon our spirits and wash them fair
and clean, and leave there many a shining pool where the blue of heaven shines
– and sometimes, a star.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMN6exXTEh8/UIVDSUJ7P-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/1Xig80-77UY/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMN6exXTEh8/UIVDSUJ7P-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/1Xig80-77UY/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A cross in the graveyard</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As you enter Seir Kieran, the holy well is very clearly
signposted down a small lane to the right and the holy bush is up on the left
hand side of the road. A five minute walk up the road and you can see the monastic
side down to the right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLOaMFQZV7s/UIVD4taSKcI/AAAAAAAAA4M/jFKtWHnPVT8/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLOaMFQZV7s/UIVD4taSKcI/AAAAAAAAA4M/jFKtWHnPVT8/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A cure for warts!</i></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-47379835389599470822012-09-28T08:25:00.002-07:002012-09-28T08:31:52.907-07:00St James' Well, Carlingford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdMnlsSWk_c/UGWo0VwslnI/AAAAAAAAAy0/mE6P9dlzzjk/s1600/DSCF8216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdMnlsSWk_c/UGWo0VwslnI/AAAAAAAAAy0/mE6P9dlzzjk/s320/DSCF8216.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Proleek Dolmen</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saint James' well isn't actually in the town of Carlingford, but it is immediately before the turnoff from the Greenore Road into the town. Carlingford takes its name from the 'fjiord of Carlinn' and as the name suggests, it might have been at one time a base for raiding Vikings who made good use of its sheltered position. It remains one of Ireland's best preserved Medieval towns, founded by the Anglo-Normans in the twelfth century. Today in the town you can see the remains of a Friary, a mint dating from 1467, a castle dating from around 1200 in which it is said King John stayed in and the narrow and distinctive streets associated with Medieval towns in Ireland. Add to this a number of good eating houses, plenty of pubs and beautiful views out across the lough and you have a vibrant little town steeped in history. The surrounding area is no less exciting in terms of its history and monuments. I've documented some of them here before on this blog, including the areas link with the Knights Templar. (see Our Lady's Well, Templetown). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5wmKVDqC6E/UGWt6CaT9xI/AAAAAAAAAzU/iXsO8t84Tso/s1600/DSCF4684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5wmKVDqC6E/UGWt6CaT9xI/AAAAAAAAAzU/iXsO8t84Tso/s320/DSCF4684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The remains of John's Castle, Carlingford</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The whole area of Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula is strongly associated with the tale of the Táin Bó Cúailinge which tells the tale of the famous warrior Cúchulainn who becomes entangled in a story of lust, power, battles and intrigue. Part of the battle involves a great epic battle between the two bulls of the opposing armies and the brown bull impales the carcass of the white bull on his horns, casting his entrails throughout the Cooley peninsula, then breaking up his body and finally carving up great mounds of earth near Carlingford and into Ulster. The nearby Black Mountain has a cairn on top and Barnavave Hill has the remains of an ancient church. In behind the Ballymascalon hotel and a short walk to the far end of the golf course you will find the Proleek Dolmen. It's an impressive structure of around thirteen feet. At one time these stones were thought to be grave markers, but today the general consensus is that they are doorways into much larger structures. Behind the dolmen doorway a large mound of earth and stones would have formed a structure that people could walk into. It's not at all clear if it served as a place to put the dead or if it had some religious or ritual significance in some other way. Close by are the remains of a wedge cairn with a long tapering gallery and a slab door that also faces west. This is most definitely a burial site and cremated remains would have been brought here. With it's close association to the dolmen, it might be that the dolmen mound was a sacred place of religious ritual and the wedge cairn is the burial site; but we simply do not know. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUb0pv-oOmU/UGWxnS7elxI/AAAAAAAAAz0/oHbSDafgivw/s1600/DSCF8205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qUb0pv-oOmU/UGWxnS7elxI/AAAAAAAAAz0/oHbSDafgivw/s320/DSCF8205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The wedge cairn</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Local myth and saga record an interesting version of events surrounding the formation of the dolmen and the wedge cairn. It is said locally that the wedge cairn is known as the grave of Para Buí Mór Mhac Seódín who was a giant who came to do battle with another giant by the name of Fionn mac Cumhaill. In order to impress the futility of this struggle upon his opponent, Para Buí Mór Mhac Seódín is said to have carried the thirty ton cap-stone to the battle site on his back and laid it on the three stones as a sign of his superior strength. Hence the nick-name given to the dolmen; 'the giant's load'. Today you will likely see a number of stones sitting on top of the dolmen and legend has it that if you can get a pebble to remain on top you will be married within the year or have good luck for the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkP3bzHZnx4/UGWx9TzhgOI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FzLZ8n62Jts/s1600/DSCF8219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkP3bzHZnx4/UGWx9TzhgOI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FzLZ8n62Jts/s320/DSCF8219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The site of St James' well</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Very little is known about Saint James' holy well, but there is a local Roman Catholic parish that bears the same dedication and has done for the last two hundred and fifty years. The Dominicans and the Franciscans had settlements in this area, but neither of them really have any strong association to St James. I think instead it must be an association with the Knights Templar again. The Knights Templar were the protectors of Jerusalem and were deeply involved for many years in the crusades and they had a presence on the Cooley peninsula. Saint James was seen as a patron saint of a sort for many involved in the Knights Templars, named at one stage as the 'matamoros'; the Moor slayer. On a rather more enlightened note, James is also the patron saint of pilgrims and very often his symbol is the same as that of travelling pilgrims - a scallop shell. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWnzafy_I1M/UGW0Ybj4ROI/AAAAAAAAA0I/lIsTGmlUTXA/s1600/DSCF8224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWnzafy_I1M/UGW0Ybj4ROI/AAAAAAAAA0I/lIsTGmlUTXA/s320/DSCF8224.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The well</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The well today is full of water and beside it a culvert runs a stream out of the site and out underneath the road. It's a peculiar site, being exposed to the road, yet there is a sense of peace about this place. Above the well is a modern cross erected in 1932, which tells us the area was refurbished and which asks us to pray for the donor. Curiously, the donor is not named. Behind this, on the ground, lies a collection of large stones laid out in the form of a large cross. I don't think they were ever a cross originally, but rather they appear to be stones that might have at one time formed the original housing of the holy well. As far as I know, no pattern is held here, but the local parish of Saint James does come here to say the rosary - especially before a funeral mass.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieib9qh1Too/UGW1m-4zQPI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/kfWJS7d8N3A/s1600/DSCF8231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieib9qh1Too/UGW1m-4zQPI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/kfWJS7d8N3A/s320/DSCF8231.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Stones laid out in the shape of a cross</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To one side, under the shade of a large tree a headstone from 1998 sits in memory of all who were buried on this site. Apparently the site is an old burial ground for babies and very young children. There is a peculiar sadness to the absence of names and the missing tokens of those who were the parents who at one time grieved their significant loss. Thankfully the memorial stone erected in 1998 goes some of the way to reversing that sense of sadness, but it will forever be compounded by the dedication of this well site to the patron saint of pilgrims in a place where so many are buried who had barely begun their pilgrimage through this life before they were taken.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5jANY1gp_E/UGW3LboKw9I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/qTavNeTf1wo/s1600/DSCF8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5jANY1gp_E/UGW3LboKw9I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/qTavNeTf1wo/s320/DSCF8220.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The stream and culvert at the well</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you get the chance, it's well worth travelling in the exact opposite direction, crossing the motorway and making your way out towards Louth village. Here you will find a little stone church dedicated to St Mochta. It sits in the middle of a field just outside the village and it has a very large Medieval Cathedral in front of it. Sadly, you cannot gain access to either now, but it is still worth seeing. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jM1kfsAJGTY/UGXC1DFR_ZI/AAAAAAAAA2I/A4OYxOgIS68/s1600/DSCF8239_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jM1kfsAJGTY/UGXC1DFR_ZI/AAAAAAAAA2I/A4OYxOgIS68/s320/DSCF8239_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Mochta's House</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This building is part of a monastic settlement on this site that dates back to the sixth century. Legend has it that St Patrick actually came here and founded the monastery in order to look after twelve lepers in the area who pleaded for his help. Patrick is said to have had great pity for them and then left them in the care of his most trusted and well-loved disciple, Saint Mochta. The site was raided by Vikings three times from 900-1100AD and these raids were so swift and brutal that very little was left. Saint Mochta's house dates form around the twelfth century and may be the shrine church where his relics and remains were kept, but it's proximity and positioning in relation to the large cathedral may also mean that the 'house' is a Baptistry. The Catholic parish church on its elevated position back in the town of Louth is also worth a visit to see the impressive Harry Clarke windows and the altar friezes detailing the life of Saint Mochta.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23tQQHof7VU/UGW5nt1qQ1I/AAAAAAAAA0s/eHGPo5YbgEU/s1600/DSCF8253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23tQQHof7VU/UGW5nt1qQ1I/AAAAAAAAA0s/eHGPo5YbgEU/s320/DSCF8253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Patrick by Harry Clarke</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mindful of the fact that the well site is also a graveyard for babies and children I thought it best to include a prayer here that acknowledges their presence.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
O Lord, in every age you reveal yourself to the childlike and lowly of heart, and from every race you write names in your book of life; grant us the simplicity and faith of your saints, that loving you above all things, we may be what you would have us be and do what you would have us do. So may we be numbered with your saints in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCuCuzmYGDE/UGW9GzFAS7I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/X48_1suK_Bk/s1600/DSCF8259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCuCuzmYGDE/UGW9GzFAS7I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/X48_1suK_Bk/s320/DSCF8259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid honouring the Christ child</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Saint James's well is very easy to find as you can see it very easily from the road thanks to a large arched black metal sign at the site entrance. It is literally opposite the turn off towards the town of Carlingford, off the Greenore Road as you travel down the Cooley peninsula.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-attS1OaGVtQ/UGW90BsSl-I/AAAAAAAAA1g/HfFW5EK91is/s1600/DSCF8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-attS1OaGVtQ/UGW90BsSl-I/AAAAAAAAA1g/HfFW5EK91is/s320/DSCF8227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The well basin</i></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-8919286578302269572012-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:002012-09-18T15:21:26.108-07:00Saint Moling’s Well, County Carlow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiT7ECP51Y0/UFjuAbfIotI/AAAAAAAAAxA/baTu8boZjMM/s1600/DSCF7847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiT7ECP51Y0/UFjuAbfIotI/AAAAAAAAAxA/baTu8boZjMM/s320/DSCF7847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Moling's Holy Well</i></div>
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Saint Moling’s well in the parish of County Carlow in St
Mullins, is a famous well that to this day still has a significant pattern
observed there. The pattern takes place on the feast day of the saint on the
last Sunday before the 25<sup>th</sup> July and it normally involves marching
bands, food stalls, a mass (and sometimes an ecumenical service), school
children singing and lots of pilgrims come to bathe their feet. The pattern
makes a procession from the holy well itself, up the hill towards the graveyard
- the site of Moling’s monastery and possibly the site of his burial.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The stream by the turas</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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St Mullins is a very beautiful place with the remains of an
old motte and bailey perched at the top of a hill alongside a collection of
ruined churches, remains of a round tower and even fragments of a high cross.
To the left lies the holy well and to the right lies the slow and winding River
Barrow shrouded in leafy trees. It has a small café down by the riverbank and
is the perfect spot to wile away a sunny afternoon. This is an incredibly
pretty spot and a great hidden little gem in the county.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The bathing house below the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The well is said to have a curious beginning. Saint Moling
was said to have been interested in acquiring the wood from one of the five
trees of Ireland to build a church on the land that had been granted him by
Fingin (of Cashel fame). Saint Laserian had also expressed a great interest in
having some of the wood from the Yew of Rossa (which had recently fallen), but Moling - who was very close
to Laserian - convinced the saint to part with the precious wood. When the wood arrived on the site, Moling had been working the wood and a small shaving entered his eye
causing him great discomfort. One day as a cleric walked past he noted Moling
sitting idly by the roadside and he asked him what the matter was. Moling
explained that his felt the talons of an eagle, a branch of holly and the
scratch of a griffin in his eyelid each time his eye moved, causing him much
pain and discomfort. The cleric took pity on Moling and blessed a local well of
water and told him to bathe his eye in it until it got better. The Brussels
manuscript of the 'Birth and Life of Saint Moling' makes reference to the healing well with many rather obscure
allusions to Tobit, but from this passage it seems clear that the well was
considered as being a holy well of general healing rather than for anything
specific. Today, however, the well’s healing properties are considered to be
somewhat specific. It is said to heal ulcers on the feet (which Moling suffered
from later in life), eye ailments, a trinitarian visit to cure warts and a cure
for flu (whereby the person must duck their head into the freezing cold water
three times!). In 1349 visits to the well reached fever pitch from a desperate
people living in mortal fear of the plague that was sweeping Ireland at the
time. Since then there has been a steady flow of pilgrims - some who come for
healing, some for prayer and others just to enjoy the peace and the beauty of
the area.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>One of the stone basins full of well water</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The well is slightly above the lay of the land, which seems
a little curious, and it is said to be seven springs rising into a large basin
with rocks and lumps of quartz. The waters flow from this through two narrow
channels, down into stone basins, which in turn overflow into a trough that
winds its way down to the river. The trough in the grass is known as the turas,
or the pilgrim’s way. Tales are sometimes told of the bush that grows at the
well being from Saint Moling’s original walking stick that he planted there to
bathe his eyes, and in the time it took for him to complete this act the dead
stick had come to life and sprouted and rooted itself to the spot. However,
there are other wells dedicated to Saint Moling which also make this bold
claim!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYgJXJCQJG8/UFjviPqbavI/AAAAAAAAAxg/5YBfavnW0xI/s1600/DSCF7881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYgJXJCQJG8/UFjviPqbavI/AAAAAAAAAxg/5YBfavnW0xI/s320/DSCF7881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Motte and Bailey</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Up the hill from the well is the seventh century monastic
settlement, known in Irish as Tighe Moling (House of Moling). The monastery was
built on land gifted by Fingin under the instruction and careful spiritual
direction of Saint Aidan from Ferns. It is said that Moling dug out the mile
long watercourse to power his mill on the site – a task which took nearly seven
years. Today none of the original monastery buildings survive, but you can see
the remains of a round tower and a badly weathered fragment of a high cross.
Worship continued on the site up to more recent times in the Church of Ireland
parish church built on the site in 1811. There are three other church remains
on the site, the great church (Tempall Mor) said to be the burial site of the
saint. There is another little shrine church that caught my eye. Right at the
very back of the settlement a small ruined shrine church perches close to the
edge of the hill. It bears a sign that says it was ‘Saint James’ Cell’.
Ordinance Field Books from 1839 record two pattern days held here in times
past. The first was held on 17<sup>th</sup> June in honour of Saint Moling (to
commemorate his death in 696) and another on the 25<sup>th</sup> July in honour
of Saint James. On this day people visited Saint Moling’s well and the
Ordinance Field Books describe it exactly as it appears today. As to what the
cell of Saint James is, is not very clear at all and much digging in books and
papers has not revealed an answer I’m afraid. It is entirely possible that at one time it held a relic of Saint James, brought by a visitor to the site or by one of the monks. Could it be that this cell is the
rough granite rubble shrine church of Moling? All other six Medieval church
ruins are clustered around it on what is otherwise a substantial and open, flat
site.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDXu2FNBB1g/UFjwAHeV9aI/AAAAAAAAAxs/luULJWXyOHU/s1600/DSCF7892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDXu2FNBB1g/UFjwAHeV9aI/AAAAAAAAAxs/luULJWXyOHU/s320/DSCF7892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The St Mullins Site</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The High Cross towards the back of the site is now sadly very
badly eroded and almost impossible to decipher. The base of the cross was a
highly decorated, squat cylinder with carved interlinking spirals in a Celtic
design. The mains shaft of the cross is broken and missing and the right arm is
also broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The central figure in
the cross is of a crucified Christ flanked by two other unidentified figures.
The cross is thought to date from the ninth century. The Book of Moling
(preserved in Trinity College Dublin) is a small Gospel book with some notes on
Moling’s life and monastery. The book proclaims him as its scribe, but it is
generally believed to have been created at least a century after his death. In
it a simplified plan of the monastery can be seen with a plan for the erection
of no less than sixteen high crosses: eight dedicated to the prophets, four
dedicated to the four evangelists, one to the Holy Spirit and three of
uncertain dedication (they may be scriptural crosses). The site was envisaged
as a double circle with crosses inside and out of the circular enclosures.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TE0cHk8-1vw/UFjweP6UCJI/AAAAAAAAAx0/zRnDRq12LkI/s1600/DSCF7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TE0cHk8-1vw/UFjweP6UCJI/AAAAAAAAAx0/zRnDRq12LkI/s320/DSCF7912.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<o:p><i>The remains of the High Cross</i></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There is no doubt about it, this is a beautiful spot and on
a sunny afternoon it is very easy to soak up its peace. On the far side of the
hill the River Barrow winds its way gracefully past the lines of trees while
people sip hot drinks and chatter alongside the birdsong. It is a hidden gem
and a very beautiful well, truly worth the journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_j3WG1RYbEc/UFjwztQFbHI/AAAAAAAAAx8/zYi1QBmKfDs/s1600/DSCF7923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_j3WG1RYbEc/UFjwztQFbHI/AAAAAAAAAx8/zYi1QBmKfDs/s320/DSCF7923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Down by the River Barrow</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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O Lord, lead me in your river of life. Teach me to trust in
your stream of grace. May I never fight your current of love, but come instead
into the steady flow of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ who with you and the
Holy Spirit, live and reign now and for ever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvEVRuPNklg/UFjxIEOK3vI/AAAAAAAAAyE/h7XqG5nBU7Q/s1600/DSCF7863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvEVRuPNklg/UFjxIEOK3vI/AAAAAAAAAyE/h7XqG5nBU7Q/s320/DSCF7863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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How to find it:</div>
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The site is very clearly signposted in St Mullins in County
Carlow. The holy well is in the valley where the car park is. Across the road
you can see a stream and a small, narrow path. Following this path you come to
a small stone building with no roof, and directly above this up on the bank is
the holy well. The rest of the St Mullins site is on the top of the hill and
the River Barrow is down the other side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2x697PoEU3k/UFjxb1JrhsI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/TUDzHGfi-X8/s1600/DSCF7914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2x697PoEU3k/UFjxb1JrhsI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/TUDzHGfi-X8/s320/DSCF7914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>Saint James' Cell</i></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-69455948381120575252012-08-23T13:50:00.001-07:002012-08-23T13:50:32.999-07:00Two Wells at Lough Ine, County Cork.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QleXAmyqfDM/UDaTUKziJQI/AAAAAAAAAvg/edpWFAmBa7Q/s1600/DSCF8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QleXAmyqfDM/UDaTUKziJQI/AAAAAAAAAvg/edpWFAmBa7Q/s320/DSCF8314.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our Lady of the Fuchsia!</i></div>
<br />
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Lough Ine (or Hyne) is a marine lake in West Cork around
five kilometers from the town of Skibereen. Being rather shallow and yet highly
oxygenated it sustains an unusually high level of plant and animal life, many
of which are not found anywhere else in Ireland. It is a beautiful and a bit of
trap for tourists and Sunday afternoon drivers. If the sun is shining be
prepared to meet a minor traffic jam!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Lough Ine (Hyne)</i></div>
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Above the lake is a steep hill (Knockomagh Hill) with paths
winding around the bottom and all the way to the top. If you attempt the climb
to the top of the hill, even though it isn’t a particularly large hill, the
climb is nonetheless somewhat strenuous, but worth the views when you reach the
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this vantage point you
can get a glimpse of both the ruins of the castle on Castle Island (once
associated with the O’Driscoll clan) in the centre of the lake and the ruins of
Saint Brigid’s church on the opposite shore.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Tobarín Súl</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The two holy wells in the area are known as Skour Well and
Tobarín Súl. Saint Brigid’s well is also beside the church ruins of the same
dedication and Saint Brigid is said to have spent some time in the area. Legend
has it that when she knelt to pray at a rock near the holy well, she left the
impressions of her knees! Following the path around the base of the hill you
will cross a small trickle of a stream and land on a path that begins a slow
climb uphill. On the right the first well that you will see is the Eye well, or
Tobarín Súl. This well is renowned throughout the area as being a very powerful
well to heal any complaints regarding eyesight or the eyes. Many offerings of
various kinds have been left by the well which is surrounded by a mound of
stones and various trinkets and offerings. A three trunked tree grows up out of
the back of the well and stands like a sentry. I couldn’t help but recall the
moment in the Gospel when Jesus begins to heal a blind man who says he can see
people like walking trees, and after Jesus lays hands on him a second time he
can see perfectly. Of this holy well’s past history I was unable to find
anything out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Tokens left at the holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The next well is known as Skour well and is located just a short stretch
up the hill. It appears that this well’s dedication has either been forgotten
or it has never had a dedication. The word Skour probably comes from the Irish
‘sceabhar’ meaning ‘slope’ or ‘slant’, indicating its position on the side of
the hill. In the past, on May eve, pilgrims would come and make traditional
rounds at the well and drop a white stone. Today the well is surrounded by
these white stones, but the May eve pattern is a mass said by the local priest
and the well appears today to be thoroughly dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Crude ‘icons’ of Our Lady litter the site and the traditional hawthorn bush
above the well holds the rags of passing pilgrims. A large stone structure
surrounds the well, much of which looks thoroughly modern.</span><!--EndFragment-->
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dThpfVfTwI/UDaUu0pgWqI/AAAAAAAAAwE/1Tx8oIy1b_I/s1600/DSCF8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dThpfVfTwI/UDaUu0pgWqI/AAAAAAAAAwE/1Tx8oIy1b_I/s320/DSCF8315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Skour Well</i></span></div>
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In many ways this well is in grave danger of being
over-worked. Many wells throughout Ireland have disappeared precisely because
people have messed with the natural flow of watercourses and built large,
heavy structures around the wells. In some cases they have planted numerous
trees and the well has simply dried up. In this case, the well has almost been
swallowed up by the stone surround and the stones placed so carefully and
neatly around the base of the well. Despite this, there is something rather
appealing about this well which I think, for me, lies in the many white stones
brought by groups of pilgrims in the past and the naive 'icons'.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The well surround</i></div>
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Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to
the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of in I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that
the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart
is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the
repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that
the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from
deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me
find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy
grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley, Thy water in
my well.</div>
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Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Charles Spurgeon</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Child of Prague at the Eye well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From Lough Ine, take the path into the woods at the foot of
Knockomagh Hill. Follow the path around the foot of the hill, crossing a small
stream. The path then veers up to the left and up a slight slope. On the left
are the two wells; firstly Tobarín Súl and then a little farther up is Skour
well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbQM_LxEAVw/UDaWRuM4SBI/AAAAAAAAAwc/pKjDRKh6dYU/s1600/DSCF8308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbQM_LxEAVw/UDaWRuM4SBI/AAAAAAAAAwc/pKjDRKh6dYU/s320/DSCF8308.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Madonna and Child at the Skour Well</i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-71657648170772755792012-07-27T03:22:00.001-07:002012-07-27T03:22:27.433-07:00Holy Wells around Valencia Island (Saint Brendan’s, Saint Fhonian’s and Tobairin)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKcCO1HnIZA/UBJhuAs8nuI/AAAAAAAAAsw/l981wBjoKfA/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKcCO1HnIZA/UBJhuAs8nuI/AAAAAAAAAsw/l981wBjoKfA/s320/IMG_0458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A pub on the path to Saint Brendan's well</i></div>
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<br />
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Valencia Island was once known as the Island of Oaks, where
majestic trees formed a protective barrier from the relentless attack of the
Atlantic storms. Today there are only a few young oak trees on the island. All
the rest have been stripped and cut down to be used for timber. The
deforestation of Ireland took place just before the Plantation era and is quite
possibly one of the great ecological disasters of Europe. Once, Ireland was the
most heavily forested land in all of Europe. Visitors noted that its forests
were so dense that even a person on foot struggled to enter woods and forests
within meters of the coast. Today Ireland’s deforestation is complete. Vast
swaths of land are barren and empty - but this too has a solemn beauty, maybe
less mystical, but certainly still spectacular. On Valencia Island in County
Kerry my trip began on a misty day when low clouds stuck to the ridges in a
solemn mourning for the trees that once were.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>A view of the Skellig's from Valencia Island</i></div>
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The trip was essentially a bike run amidst impressive and
truly breathtaking scenery, but I can’t resist stopping at every hole in the
hedge just to see whats there. The whole area is quite literally littered with
ancient monastic sites, very early Christian beehive huts, holy wells, dolmens
and pagan burial sites and standing stones. There is a huge wealth of ancient
rocks and sites that you could spend days chasing down and pondering. I have
limited this entry to three wells, but in reality there are many more that I
could have seen. The first well I visited was Saint Brendan’s well which seemed
the most appropriate well to visit after a long motorbike journey through rain,
mist and fog. I parked the bike, set up camp and walked to the well on the
western tip of Valentia Island in County Kerry. At the opposite end of the
island is a 385 million year old set of footprints in the rock from a tetrapod.
It is one of only four places in the world to see such a trackway. The mist was
starting to lift and I could see the Skelligs in the distance beginning to reveal
themselves as a great, stunning gateway to the unknown. The craggy pinnacles silently
attested to the ferocity of the Atlantic and the dangers for those who
travelled by sea. I could easily imagine the resting monks rise at the end of
time with scales in their hands ready to pass a judgement. During my trip I did
make it out to Skellig Michael (dedicated to the Archangel Michael) where the
earliest monastic settlement in all of Europe is to be found. It is both
stunning and eerie; a mystical place full of the terrifying presence of the
Almighty.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Brendan's Holy Well</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Saint Brendan is strongly associated with this whole area. Born
in Carriage Luachra (Tralee) in 484 and baptized by Saint Erc at Tubrid near
Ardfert (in what is now a holy well) he went on to study under the careful
instruction of Saint Ita. After completing his studies he was ordained priest
in 512 by Saint Erc. Between 512 and 530 Brendan lived an austere monastic life
at the foot of Mount Brandon. Here he was given a vision of an island where the
word of God had not yet reached and the people sat in darkness. The angel in
the vision told him that this land could be a paradise and that he should set
out on a journey to bring the Gospel to every last corner of the known world.
Old Irish calendars marked the departure of Brendan with his company of monks
with a feast day on 22<sup>nd</sup> March and the eighth century litany of
Saint Aengus of Culdee invokes the intercession of “the sixty who accompanied
Lord Brendini in his quest for the Land of Promise”. Latin and Irish versions
of the Life of Brendan (known today as the Navagatio and dating to the eighth
century) survive but the accounts were generally regarded as total fiction as
it was believed that the vessel used by the monks would have ensured a swift
death on the furious Atlantic and that the account of the journey is in fact an
extended allegory. However, in 1976 the explorer Tim Severin sailed in a
replica of the boat to the Aran Islands off Galway, then to the Hebrides and
Faroes, onwards to Iceland and across to Canada, proving that the journey of
Brendan could indeed have been an extensive reality. In a curiously prophetic
sense many centuries later many thousands of Irish would pass through the
gateway of the Skelligs to a land that was full of promise. As a result of his
journeys Brendan has always been seen as the patron saint of sailors and those
who travel.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>An early Christian Cross at Saint Brendan's well</i></div>
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Saint Brendan’s well on Valencia island is situated close to
the base of Bray head on the western side of the island, nestled on a flat
plain that leads out to some spectacular cliffs. There are a total of three
ancient Irish crosses and the tiny brown, peaty watered well has a new
construction around it and a few offerings left which were some of the most
interesting I’d seen at a well. It included notes of farewell from those who
were leaving to go to the USA for work and had a certain sadness about it.
Saint Brendan is said to have come and scaled the cliffs of the island and come
up onto the land to meet with two people who were seriously ill. After
instructing them in the faith they were both baptized at this well and became
the two first Christian converts of the island. This is a local story tradition
of Valencia that isn’t recorded in either the Life of Brendan or the Navagatio.
Around the well lie large railway sleepers where people can sit, facing out to
sea. It was easy to sit there and imagine the sense of distance and also loss
at parents whose children had gone to far off places for work.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Offerings left at the well</i></div>
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Shall I abandon, O King of mysteries, the soft comforts of
home?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I turn my back on my native land, and turn my face
towards the sea?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I put myself wholly at your mercy, without silver,
without a horse, without fame, without honour?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I throw myself wholly upon you, without sword and
shield, without food and drink, without a bed to lie on?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I say farewell to my beautiful land, placing myself
under your yoke?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I pour out my heart to you, confessing my manifold
sins and begging forgiveness, tears streaming down my cheeks?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I leave the prints of my knees on the sandy beach, a
record of my final prayer in my native land?</div>
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Shall I then suffer the kind of wound that only the sea can
inflict?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I take my tiny boat across the wide, sparkling ocean?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
O King of the glorious heaven, shall I go of my own choice
upon the sea?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
O Christ, will you help me on the wild waves?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>The prayer of Saint Brendan after receiving the vision (from
the Navagatio)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_M4eVeMcVFo/UBJkSUlu3AI/AAAAAAAAAtc/I9_yZcFXk0Y/s1600/DSCF8483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_M4eVeMcVFo/UBJkSUlu3AI/AAAAAAAAAtc/I9_yZcFXk0Y/s320/DSCF8483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The 'Safe Forest' in Glanleam Gardens</i></div>
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At the other end of the island, not far from the pretty
little village of Knightstown is a private garden which sits in a protected
cove that offers an unusual amount of protection from the worst of the elements
and allows the owners to grow all manner of sub-tropical species. For a modest
sum you can spend an afternoon there exploring the gardens and admiring the
plants. There are a whole cluster of different walks, but up through the bamboo
and a brisk walk through a very dense patch of forest that is almost pitch black
at its heart, lies a path leading up a slight slope to the left. You can’t see
the well until you are right up at it, but it is at the very end of the path.
This well is dedicated to Saint Finian.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Saint Fhonian's Holy Well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are a number of Saint Finian’s in Ireland, but the Finian
described as Fhonian/Fionnán is a saint who is local to the Kerry region. He is
said to have established a number of monastic settlements and churches, but none
of the churches survive today – not even in the form of rubble remains. There
are a few ogham stones which mention him and some ancient crosses, or the
remains of ancient crosses and almost all of the holy wells dedicated to him
are of simple character, having only a few stones and sometimes a cross. Little
is actually known about Saint Fhonian at all, but he has schools, hospitals,
bays and houses all named after him in this area. Legend has it that he was
converted and educated on Skellig Michael, before returning to the area to
begin his mission. He lived and died in the area and his grave is at
Kilfountain on the Dingle peninsula with a cross pillar stone marked in ogham
with his name.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i> The holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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This holy well was restored in 2009 after having been
forgotten for a long period. It was badly overgrown and the well housing had
been filled with rubble and gravel and the well water had begun to rise
elsewhere. After the rubble and gravel was removed, the water returned to the
rough hewn and simple form well housing. Some sources indicate that the well
had twelve stones nearby to represent the twelve apostles, but there is no
indication of how these stones were arranged. At other wells this can also be
seen, but it is normally a simple pile of stones, possibly a nod to the piles
left during the Exodus to form the altar or to symbolize the twelve tribes of
Israel. Today, the restorers have re-set eleven of the stones (I’m not sure if
they are the original stones or stones they have brought in) and arranged them
in a stone circle around the well. It’s very effective, but the high grass hid
most of them on the day I paid a visit. The well was shallow, but still there,
with a handy ladle to gather some water and a very simple stone cross in
keeping with other Saint Fhonian holy wells.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Fountain pools in the sub-tropical gardens</i></div>
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This garden has more peace than I think Gethsemane did on
that fateful night, but maybe we can join in a prayer of submission to God’s
will even in a place that is so peaceful and still.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The view from the end of the garden</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lord, if what I seek be according to your will, then let it
come to pass and let success attend the outcome. But if not, my God, let it not
come to pass. Do not leave me to my own devices, for your know how unwise I can
be. Keep me safe under your protection Lord, and in your own gentle way, guide me
as only you know best. </div>
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Amen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The Ring of Skelligs Road</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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In County Kerry the famous road is known as the Ring of
Kerry, renowned for its spectacular views, high mountain passes and many
picturesque villages and towns - at least, so long as the sun shines! A less
well known route is the Ring of Skelligs (from the N70) that is like a
miniature version of the Ring of Kerry, but more unspoiled and with much less
traffic. It’s roads are narrow and its hairpin bends are treacherous, but the
panic of trying to manoeuvre a heavy bike around a three hundred and forty degree
corner on a gradient no road builder would dream of constructing a road on
today was definitely worth it all the same. The views out over the bays are
beautiful and the mountain passes are spectacular.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i> Tobairin</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you set out from Portmagee and track through the village
towards the coast and cliffs a road takes you straight up over a beautiful
mountain pass. The cliffs can’t be seen from this angle, but the steep rise up
to them looks as if someone has literally torn away the landscape as if it were
a sheet of paper. Halfway up the mountain slope sits a little shrine to the
Blessed Virgin Mary and beneath it a little well known as Tobairin. The shrine
is dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, Coomanspig, and was opened in 1994 by Bishop
Bill Murphy at a Mass with five hundred people present. It’s a slightly gaudy
shrine, but it sort of works with the landscape. You certainly can’t miss it,
which no doubt was the intention, but a mawkish, overly sentimental prayer of
the Virgin doesn’t help it. Around it are flat stones that have rubbed crosses
in them made by passing pilgrims which moved me far more than the garden gnome
statue of Our Lady and the blubbing prayer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i> A rubbed stone at the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s not clear what the history of this well is or who it
was originally dedicated to. The dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary is a
relatively new thing. There are a number of early Christian sites in the
vicinity though, a beehive cluster and the remains of an oratory. It might be
that the original dedication has been lost, but its new dedication probably
holds a poignancy for the many mothers who have watched their children grow up
and leave this area, some destined for further shores in search of work or a
new life and maybe that mawkish prayer hides a much more deeply felt sentiment
that is still a little raw for some. Like Saint Brendan’s well then, this too
is a well of travelers and here, as I prepared to set off home again, it seemed
as good a place as any to pause and pray for safety on the road. Little did I
know that those horrific hairpin bends were just over the ridge!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>The view from the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Be with us on our travels, Lord, and grant us a careful and
watchful eye for both young and old. Keep us from a needless speeding, passing
earth’s beauties heedlessly and grant us attentiveness at all times and the
sense to stop and rest when tired. Keep danger from our paths and a
preparedness for what we cannot see, that we may travel through this life in
safety and come to peace at last in our eternal home at your appointed time.</div>
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Amen</div>
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<i>The Skelligs</i></div>
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How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Saint Brendan’s well is clearly signposted on Valentia
Island. After crossing the bridge turn left at the top of the road and follow
the signs. It is difficult to see this well until you are very close to it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Saint Fhonian’s well is also clearly marked on a map which
will be given to you when you enter Glanleam sub-tropical gardens. The gardens
can be found up the hill from Knightstown on the eastern coast of Valentia
Island.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Tobairin is on the Ring of Skelligs route, halfway up the
road towards the first mountain pass outside Portmagee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__NWjxOm3oQ/UBJohQnSxpI/AAAAAAAAAu8/8ivqj9LyjMw/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__NWjxOm3oQ/UBJohQnSxpI/AAAAAAAAAu8/8ivqj9LyjMw/s320/IMG_0528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Portmagee</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-17608864202376353592012-07-24T09:57:00.002-07:002012-07-24T09:57:46.099-07:00Saint Fiacre’s Well, Kilkenny.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6BZXRLxV7w/UA7LRZdt2WI/AAAAAAAAArY/eav71y5rqu0/s1600/DSCF8282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6BZXRLxV7w/UA7LRZdt2WI/AAAAAAAAArY/eav71y5rqu0/s320/DSCF8282.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The stone gate to the old church</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Saint Fiacre is a man shrouded in myth and legend, yet the
very fact of the huge measure of devotion to him down through the centuries
speaks clearly of his well-won reputation as a holy man. We know with some
certainty a few facts of his life from the ‘Matryology of Donegal’, but there
are many stories connected with him which are often tales only told to try and
explain some of the seeming contradictions of his life. During his life Fiacre
attracted many followers and those who would either try to emulate him or who
felt that living close to him would inspire and encourage them also in their pilgrimage
through life. One such example was Saint John of Valois, whose devotion to
Fiacre led him to build a great hermitage close to the dwelling of the Saint at
Breuil in France. Saint Vincent de Paul, the Apostle of France, made a regular
pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Fiacre. Devotion to the Saint continues to
this day in France. Archaeological finds attest to his significance for French
pilgrims who at one time attached small metalwork badges of the shrine of Saint
Fiacre to their clothes. Fiacre is also depicted in many illuminated
Breviary’s, most often with a spade in place of a staff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meYG4AHNDv0/UA7Ma5SVr8I/AAAAAAAAArk/4cq8nDK1W3Y/s1600/DSCF8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meYG4AHNDv0/UA7Ma5SVr8I/AAAAAAAAArk/4cq8nDK1W3Y/s320/DSCF8266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Old Saint Fiacre's Church</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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In Ireland Fiacre began his life as a seventh century hermit
or anchorite and is also said to have served as a priest for some time. His
Irish lineage was impressive, stemming as it did from Conn, King of Ireland from
523-577. Fiacre is believed to have been born around 590. Even in early youth
he was noted for his generosity towards the poor and less fortunate and later
he was to become famous for his wisdom and judgement in all matters and for his
skill in working with the land - hence his association as the patron saint of
gardeners. Although he served the people dutifully, his true desire was for
solitude and prayer and he retired to a small patch of sheltered woodland on
the banks of the river Nore where there was a fertile plain and a deep well
with fresh, safe water known today as Kilfera (Cill-Fiacre). Here he could live
out his days in peace…or so he thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUItkadMggI/UA7MxV6ArzI/AAAAAAAAArs/2ImxuTftno4/s1600/DSCF8283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUItkadMggI/UA7MxV6ArzI/AAAAAAAAArs/2ImxuTftno4/s320/DSCF8283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i> The fertile banks by the river</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over time the people learned of his small hideaway and they
began to pester the Saint, looking for advice and his blessing. Seeking solace
in Ireland was going to prove impossible and so the saint made an appeal to
Bishop Faro in France for a small portion of land for him to live on. The
Bishop granted this request and Fiacre moved to the area, close to the town
Saint-Fiacre in Saint-et-Marne as it is today. Oddly enough, within a
relatively short time Fiacre seems to abandon his anchorite calling and instead
he begins to adapt the land given him by Bishop Faro for passing pilgrims and
seekers. On the land he creates an oratory for prayer, dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, a garden for reflection and quiet and a hospice where passing
pilgrims could stay. There are various legends that attempt to explain why
Fiacre abandons his desire for solitude, but none are very satisfactory.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRVvrxCXF2I/UA7NNGN7X-I/AAAAAAAAAr0/GSHh7KFKOwY/s1600/DSCF8267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRVvrxCXF2I/UA7NNGN7X-I/AAAAAAAAAr0/GSHh7KFKOwY/s320/DSCF8267.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>The crucifix and stone altar</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Over time the hospice for pilgrims attracted many thousands
of people each year who were seeking a place of prayer and intercession and
peace. Fiacre encouraged them to live meager and self-sufficient lifestyles and
taught skills of gardening and land management. In 670 Saint Fiacre died at the
site in France and his remains were moved to Meaux. In Ireland Saint Fiacre is
best known for his interventions during the Tithe War when many farming
families were left with no means of income and no food. Fiacre is said to have
brokered a deal on behalf of the locals which resulted in the return of their
cattle. One story tells of this in typical Irish fashion: the people of the
area gather at the site of Saint Fiacre’s well and implore him to help them
after their cattle have been raided. Before the cattle can even make it as far
as Ballytiglea bridge near Borris, Fiacre prays for their safe return and a
swarm of bees appear and drive back the cattle to the area at such speed that
the cattle raiders are unable to stop them. A song regarding this miracle is
still sung in the area to this day (St Fiacre and the Bees, written by
J.Norris). Despite the typical ‘tongue in cheek’ story, there may yet be some
truth in it. Nobody knows exactly what deal Fiacre brokered that was
satisfactory during the Tithe War, but maybe it involved honey or bees from a
hive?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fWaAUNOvQg/UA7NnhrnABI/AAAAAAAAAr8/2Zm46bZNG9U/s1600/DSCF8268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fWaAUNOvQg/UA7NnhrnABI/AAAAAAAAAr8/2Zm46bZNG9U/s320/DSCF8268.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Saint Fiacre’s well is today at the base of a large set of
semi-circular steps that has a small stone altar and large crucifix at the top.
It looks over a large flat plain and is surrounded by a wooden fence. On the
day I visited the local people hadn’t started clearing the area in preparation
for the pattern so it was a little overgrown after a long wet summer. The well
water was also full of a slimy weed that made it look fairly unappealing.
Nevertheless, I could see the ancient stone structure of the well and I could
see that it was also extremely deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The entire setting of the well and shrine is very beautiful. It is
amazingly difficult to find, hidden in a dip and behind a bank of trees.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The deep well with stone surround</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The pattern in honour of Saint Fiacre lasts rather a long
time; from 15<sup>th</sup> August until 8<sup>th</sup> September. On 15<sup>th</sup>
August, pilgrims gather on the banks of the River Nore and walk to Saint
Fiacre’s ‘bed’. The present construction around the site with the steps, altar
and crucifix was completed in 1930/31. The pattern began to be less and less
observed until it had almost completely died out in the 1950’s and 60’s, but a
few loyal local people kept the faith and devotion to the local saint and today
the pattern has revived again. In 1992 a new parish church was opened in the
area by Bishop Forristal and the dedication was to Saint Fiacre. There is a
church ruin near to the site of the Saint’s retreat on the banks of the river
which also bore his name. Today it appears to be a ruin that may have dated to
the early Georgian period, but it is difficult to be sure. It replaces an old
Medieval site and the graveyard houses a stump of stone said to have been a
tall stone carving of Saint Fiacre that was destroyed by Cromwell’s men. I
searched for the stump, but the graveyard was badly overgrown and there were
many stone stumps!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>A stone arch at the church</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The well water is holy by association to the saint. There
are no records of anyone being baptized in it - although it is surely deep
enough – and no accounts of it being blessed by the saint or having anyone
experience healing of any kind. Local people had a curious tradition of
bringing small bottles of the water from the well onto ships as a kind of talisman
for protection. In the past, those who left Ireland to make the journey into
Europe or to the America’s often travelled with a bottle of water from a holy
well near their home, possibly as a reminder of where they had come from. There
is however a story of Captain James Casey who was a native of Graignamangh, who
on a boat journey home in 1775 hit a terrible storm and began to fear for his
life and that of his crew. In a panic he invoked the saints help and the storm
subsided enough to allow them a safe journey home. As an act of thanksgiving he
presented a large processional cross to the church in Graignamanagh which you
can see to this day, and this tale may explain why some travelling by sea took
a small bottle of water with them from Saint Fiacre’s well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> The view from the well over the plain</i></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Hear us O Lord as we visit this retreat of your confessor
Saint Fiacre, that inspired by his work and witness we may express a
hospitality and peace that befits our faith; through your Son Jesus Christ our
Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for
ever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdoJ6lhnln0/UA7PSfbvzII/AAAAAAAAAsg/aToY_1GxLXk/s1600/DSCF8281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdoJ6lhnln0/UA7PSfbvzII/AAAAAAAAAsg/aToY_1GxLXk/s320/DSCF8281.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A cross in the graveyard</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From Kilkenny city take the N77 and from this road take a right turn onto a narrow boreen which goes in a loop around an old estate. In sight of the church ruins, cross two fields and down into the small hidden dip where the well is.</div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-23185738715873375752012-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:002012-06-20T09:19:08.739-07:00Saint Patrick’s Well, Clonmel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nY1Icvhmgs/T-Hx3aZw_RI/AAAAAAAAAqA/OFfVlU4_9Dw/s1600/DSCF8067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nY1Icvhmgs/T-Hx3aZw_RI/AAAAAAAAAqA/OFfVlU4_9Dw/s320/DSCF8067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The statue of Saint Patrick</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Saint Patrick’s well in Clonmel is one of the largest - if
not the largest of all holy wells in all of Ireland. It is situated at the
bottom of a long set of winding steps, shaded by a few trees in a small glen. As
you approach it, the waters from the well flow into a large and shallow pond
with an ancient Irish stone cross set upon a small island in the middle. It is
thought that this cross dates to the fifth century. For such a large holy well
and surrounding site, it is amazing just how little is actually known about
this area, but it is thought that Saint Patrick passed through here and may
have used this place to bathe or to baptize.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Overview of the site</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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It is a beautiful setting, full of greenery, the sound of
flowing waters and a stillness enjoyed by many insects and butterflies. Coming
down the steps to the site is a stone statue of Saint Patrick. He is rather
fine - not at all tacky as these things often are and he has a statuesque
authority about him, yet a certain kindliness too that is present in this whole
place. The statue was erected by the Saint Patrick’s Day Society in 1958. It’s
unclear where it came from - which is something of a shame, because there are
numerous Saint Patrick’s Day Societies all over the world; most notably in the
United States of America and they are noted for their promotion of Irish
culture and heritage. In this instance, it is most likely the Saint Patrick’s
Day Society of Clonmel, but without a statement to that effect it’s impossible
to say with certainty.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DJb0dOq6aI/T-Hy_WtbjvI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/zDT_kha0DFw/s1600/DSCF8079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DJb0dOq6aI/T-Hy_WtbjvI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/zDT_kha0DFw/s320/DSCF8079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Detail from the tomb of Nicholas White</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The lake or pond, with the cross on an island creates a
beautiful focus for the entire area. It is very peaceful and still and although
there is almost always a steady flow of traffic with visitors and people
collecting water from the well, it never feels crowded or noisy. On the other
bank is a small church restored in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>1969 with the generous help and support of Mr Sam Yorty (a colourful
Mayor of Los Angeles who got the nickname of ‘travelin Sam’), a Mr Armand
Hammer (an American business tycoon) and the Irish Israeli society of South
California (which I think was an Israeli ambassadorial charity of some kind).
The restored church incorporates the highly decorated tomb of Nicholas White of
Clonmel who died in 1622 and it also has some finely restored Norman arches.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVmUy1hmcYE/T-HzWO55RZI/AAAAAAAAAqY/NURM4k_hAO8/s1600/DSCF8103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVmUy1hmcYE/T-HzWO55RZI/AAAAAAAAAqY/NURM4k_hAO8/s320/DSCF8103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The water flowing out through the boundary wall</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Around the whole perimeter of the site is a low stone wall,
and although it is in no sense overpowering, it nevertheless manages to create
a sense of enclosure and the creation of a very beautiful and peaceful space.
Around the edges of the wall are small plaques with numbers to indicate where
people may wish to observe the stations of the cross. In many ways this site
feels like a very early Irish monastic settlement (even though it wasn’t - the
area was a Cistercian settlement, probably established around the fifteenth
century) with the circle around the cross in central position, the circle of
the lake and the circular delineation of the outer wall. Overall, whether this
was intentional or not in the design, it is a site that has been well conceived
and whose restoration has been beautifully executed. Those who are responsible
are to be commended for they have created a site of great beauty and stillness.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llpyYL4bhDI/T-Hz44udM2I/AAAAAAAAAqg/3Oykji_Fn_I/s1600/DSCF8142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llpyYL4bhDI/T-Hz44udM2I/AAAAAAAAAqg/3Oykji_Fn_I/s320/DSCF8142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Saint Patrick's Holy Well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The well itself is set within a stone enclosure and it has a
small gate for access (sadly locked when I visited). The waters quite literally
bubble up through the limestone beneath into a gravel bottomed pool. It fizzes
with life, and overflows through two stone culverts into a ‘Y’ shaped channel
before flowing out into the large pond with the cross in the centre. At the
head of the well is a simple, but very nice plaque of Saint Patrick.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCtUIYmwcyw/T-H0fILKa5I/AAAAAAAAAqo/zRimFN8BMro/s1600/DSCF8137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCtUIYmwcyw/T-H0fILKa5I/AAAAAAAAAqo/zRimFN8BMro/s320/DSCF8137.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The plaque at the holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tradition has it that this place has been associated with
Saint Patrick for a very long time and a sign with some tourist information
indicates that people have observed rounds here and stations of the cross from
the time of Saint Patrick. Part of this is of course complete fantasy -
stations of the cross or ‘way of the cross’ were not used in any churches until
the establishment of the Franciscan Order as a means of enabling the poor to
make a ‘spiritual pilgrimage’ to Jerusalem. Rounds on the other hand, would
certainly have been observed, even if in a very simple way to invoke the
protection of the Trinity. Despite the fact that the stations would likely not
have been observed here to any great degree until more recently, it seems as
good a tradition as any to observe in a place where the cross has central
place. The Tripartite Life tells of Saint Patrick’s practice of crossing
himself in the name of the Trinity hundreds of times each morning and evening,
and if he knew that a stone or wooden cross was nearby on the roads he
travelled, he would always make a point of stopping to pray at it. Despite it’s
business, this is a good place to pray and an easy place to do so. Sometimes
there are places that are described as ‘thin places’, where the presence of God
is keenly and easily discernible or the veil between heaven and earth seems
remarkably thin – this is one such place.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l70rAnF6N-U/T-H0w6xADaI/AAAAAAAAAqw/F_WoMLOtD5g/s1600/DSCF8063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l70rAnF6N-U/T-H0w6xADaI/AAAAAAAAAqw/F_WoMLOtD5g/s320/DSCF8063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The cross in the lake</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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In this place where the cross has a central place, you may
wish to observe the stations or you can say Franciscan Cross Prayers (a sort of
mini stations!) outlined below.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk2a3EMsCf0/T-H1D969YVI/AAAAAAAAAq4/njBuTMmoIZ0/s1600/DSCF8117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk2a3EMsCf0/T-H1D969YVI/AAAAAAAAAq4/njBuTMmoIZ0/s320/DSCF8117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The fifth century cross</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
+In the name of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We adore you O Christ, and we bless you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
+Holy God, Holy and strong, Holy and immortal, have mercy
upon us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Almighty Father, look with mercy on this your family for
which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed and was given up into
the hands of the wicked and to suffer death upon the cross; who is alive and
glorified with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
+May the life-giving cross be the source of all our joy and
peace. Amen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let us bless the Lord</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Thanks be to God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_Ny0tYUGgk/T-H1VZj-aAI/AAAAAAAAArA/G5LimxDcEBM/s1600/DSCF8062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_Ny0tYUGgk/T-H1VZj-aAI/AAAAAAAAArA/G5LimxDcEBM/s320/DSCF8062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The steps down to the site</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
From the Dublin to Cork motorway, take the last exit for
Clonmel to the left and halfway from the motorway to Clonmel town you will see
clear signposts for the holy well to the right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2V1eYDOe5A/T-H1u-IsCGI/AAAAAAAAArI/Sacnawqn_PI/s1600/DSCF8119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2V1eYDOe5A/T-H1u-IsCGI/AAAAAAAAArI/Sacnawqn_PI/s320/DSCF8119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-22432330311738079772012-06-13T12:06:00.001-07:002012-06-13T12:06:47.579-07:00Fr Moore’s Well, County Kildare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0bELuQyKzo/T9jg_R0MIwI/AAAAAAAAAo4/4GjvaGG0x3E/s1600/DSCF7265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0bELuQyKzo/T9jg_R0MIwI/AAAAAAAAAo4/4GjvaGG0x3E/s320/DSCF7265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The signpost from the road</i></div>
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This is a slightly curious well in that it may represent a
well that was once dedicated to Saint Brigid, but over time local tradition has
planted the memory of a Fr Moore over the top. A few locals nearby will insist
that the Saint Brigid’s holy well is a couple of fields over from Fr Moore’s
well, but OS maps don’t suggest that and despite a good old rummage around the
fields I couldn’t find it. Now I could of course have simply been looking in
entirely the wrong place, but I’m not the only person to have thought that Fr
Moore’s well was once a well of Saint Brigid and that the well of Saint Brigid
‘of a few fields over’ is in fact a bit of a myth in order to preserve the
memory of Fr Moore at this site. For this reason it is a well that leaves me
with somewhat mixed feelings. I’m not in any way against the remembrance and
dedication of sites to the memory of holy people - this is how the honour of
saintliness arrives in some sense – but there is also a good old dose of folk
faith, which at times can be fascinating and even enlightening, but at worst can
do horrible cultural and historical damage to an area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it might have wrecked or built up
here I’m not quite sure, but I can only muster a strange ambivalence to this
place. However, I cannot help but think that this well is merely an act of
archaeological butchery and the ruination of the link to Brigid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The holy well complete with pebble-dash</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As a holy well it is not entirely beautiful. It has a rather
horrible concrete surround and beneath it in the ditch there appears to be a
well of sorts too - or at least and overflow. It has a Madonna and child
trapped in a cage, a large sign warning you not to drink the water, vague notes
about Fr Moore and who he was and the finer points of a ritual observance in
order to extract a healing. But despite my own ambivalence towards this site,
it is obviously hugely important to the people of the area and it has all the
signs of active devotion and the expressions and tokens of hopefulness in
prayer.</div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unGRhqSiBIE/T9jh2y6cdNI/AAAAAAAAApM/9ipT94mPqvE/s1600/DSCF7274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unGRhqSiBIE/T9jh2y6cdNI/AAAAAAAAApM/9ipT94mPqvE/s320/DSCF7274.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Madonna and Child</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Fr John Moore was a priest who lived with his mother in a little
cottage not far from the well. He was born in Rathbride in 1779 and by 1799 he
had enrolled in Maynooth to train for ordination. He was ordained in 1804 and
appointed as curate to the parish of Allen and shortly after this he disappears
from parish ministry altogether. During his lifetime many considered Fr Moore
as having a gift of healing and many visited him for cures. Before his death in
1826 he is said to have blessed the well so that even after his death people
might find a cure. Shortly afterwards a parish priest (Fr P. MacSuibhne)
published a set of prayers to be said at the well at three visits in order to
obtain a cure. The protocol set down by him was to visit the well three times,
either on a Friday or a Sunday with a decade of the rosary, followed by a set
prayer for Fr Moore and his parents, personal intentions, then a bathing in the
well and finally three Hail Mary’s. Over the course of the three visits the
person seeking healing should avail of confession and have received communion
at least once. The more modern interpretation of this involves the necessity of
using the stepping stones across the well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>A warning sign!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lord Walter Fitzgerald recorded his visit to the well in the
Archaeological Society Journal in January 1918. In it he describes the well at
the end of a muddy path with crutches and sticks stuck into the soft earth
around it as testimony to its curative properties, and the many wooden hand
crosses left as a symbol of thanks for healing and answered prayer. He also
describes being told a tale of how local clergy and some gentry became
concerned by Fr Moore’s activity and renown for being a healer which finally
resulted in the Bishop of the diocese paying him a visit and requesting him to
stop his practice, but after a supernatural demonstration, the Bishop was
convinced of his ability. But he is also told of rumours that Fr Moore was a
silenced priest, which would explain why in later years he had no connection to
a parish, while others argued that he refused position in a parish in favour of
providing healing for the sick.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><i>Tokens left at the well</i></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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To this day the Forde family retain the silk chimney hat of
Fr Moore, which I must say looks in rather bad shape. Those who suffer from
severe headaches go to the well when the hat makes its appearance and it is set
upon their head to enact a cure. I can’t say that I’d be in any great rush to
have the old battered hat of what may be a disgraced priest set upon my head
for any reason. It’s something of a shame we don’t know the real story of Fr
Moore, for speculation of his particular sins that resulted in his possible
disgrace will forever hang over this well as a dirty rumour or as a pointer to
the truth.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxZiXt0bb_0/T9jjJ1bUtVI/AAAAAAAAApk/NHyX32H4B1I/s1600/DSCF7288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxZiXt0bb_0/T9jjJ1bUtVI/AAAAAAAAApk/NHyX32H4B1I/s320/DSCF7288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The stepping stones</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Where to find it:</div>
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On the main road out of Kildare towards Milltown (R415), the
well is set back from the road and clearly signposted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DF2pmBFlDh8/T9jjhCS4XWI/AAAAAAAAAps/ePVzYPgb3Cc/s1600/DSCF7273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DF2pmBFlDh8/T9jjhCS4XWI/AAAAAAAAAps/ePVzYPgb3Cc/s320/DSCF7273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-541636168042744225.post-80558188927381372842012-06-04T09:00:00.002-07:002012-06-04T09:00:38.065-07:00Saint Monnina’s Well, Killeavy, County Armagh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zqGIgsdnAs/T8zTtQBzOfI/AAAAAAAAAns/nEB1dsrO_k0/s1600/DSCF8031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zqGIgsdnAs/T8zTtQBzOfI/AAAAAAAAAns/nEB1dsrO_k0/s320/DSCF8031.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The shrine around the well</i></div>
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On the slopes of a lumpy mountain sits a well tended by
numerous sheep, and beneath lies the remains of an incredibly important
religious foundation complete with the saint’s resting place. The well is
dedicated to Saint Monnina, who has a number of alias’; Saint Dareca and Saint
Bline and a few other Irish forms of these names. Her memory is so strongly
connected to the place that each new generation has kept her in a fond
remembrance with their own affectionate name for her, although in recent years she has almost been forgotten. Saint Monnina is said to
have been the sister of Saint Enda, daughter of King Machta and later said to
be a sister of Saint Patrick (which is highly unlikely). There is another more
likely tale that tells of Saint Patrick passing through the area to baptize new
believers and King Machta and his wife Comwri brought the young Monnina to be
baptized by him. Monnina was said to have lived and preached an austere life
and this may explain why the site of her burial is not a shrine church, but
instead a simple stone slab in keeping with some other Irish saint’s graves. We
can be fairly certain that it is her grave though. It was tended without
interruption for almost one and a half thousand years, and even after the
dissolution of the monasteries the grave was a place of pilgrimage.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zb9cug-BGN4/T8zUTLhRDGI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Bzz_98bPH_Y/s1600/DSCF8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zb9cug-BGN4/T8zUTLhRDGI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Bzz_98bPH_Y/s320/DSCF8004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Saint Monnina's Grave</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Monnina seems to have been more inspired by the activity of
the Desert Fathers than by Saint Patrick’s diocesan church system and tales of
her life are full of examples of very extreme self-sacrifice. Most of the
knowledge of Monnina comes from a closely guarded text of great antiquity held
in Salamanca. It’s date is unknown, but the written Life is attributed to the
early scholar Conchubran. Sadly, partly because this text is so closely
guarded, there is much mis-information regarding Monnina, particularly
prevalent in the work of ‘Butler’s Lives of the Saints’ which quotes an
enormous amount of inaccurate materials of a more modern date (mainly
Archbishop Ussher) and harmonises Monnina’s tales with those of the ninth
century obscure saint by the name of Modwena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Much of the other material regarding Monnina has only been kept alive in
the memory through the ancient Irish rhymers. Monnina is said to have been
baptized by Saint Patrick in the ‘Pool of God’s Abundance’. It’s not at all
clear where or what this is, but one could propose that it was a place of early
Christian pilgrimage. It is mentioned quite a number of times in various early
saints lives, but never with any accomplanying descriptive material. It’s as
if the reader should know and be familiar with what this is! Monnina returned
to this site to make her vows as a nun and she immediately set about the task
of learning the Psalms by rote. She remained under the instruction of a priest
and a few others who took instruction from him, but she soon left to become
associated with Saint Ibar in the western isels of Ireland. Ibar, after a time,
sent her to an island off the coast of Wexford with a number of nuns and on the
way the group made a pilgrimage to meet Saint Brigid and to learn from her and
her foundation. Monnina was greatly impressed by the care given by Brigid to
the sick and aged and the order was to remain there for some time. It is even said
that Monnina took on a role in the hospital while there. It is here that
Monnina began to display a rather austere approach to life. One tale tells of
how a man brought here and her company of nuns new clothing as their habits
were becoming tattered and old. Monnina immediately sold the lot and gave the
money to the poor, saying she and her sisters had no need of them and that God
provided all necessities for them. There are many miraculous tales too. At one
point, when Monnina was said to take her leave of Saint Brigid’s community with
her fifty nuns, they came across an area where a great river was in flood and
it looked like they could not proceed on their journey. The flood was the
result of one nun having sinned and stolen an artifact from Ard Conis. After
the nun was admonished, she returned the object and at the behest of Monnina
that flood waters subsided. It’s fairly clear that the life and times of
Monnina is being paralleled with the story of Moses and the Exodus. Maybe this
tale held great significance for her community, for certainly it appears they
did live in a kind of wandering Exodus for many years.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Cross in the Graveyard</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Eventually Monnina and her nuns settled at Killeavey, where
the people were said to have been heavily addicted to a form of paganism and
witchcraft that was deeply destructive to the local communities. The people
were said to have tied themselves in knots over a desire for retribution,
revenge and placing curses on one another; sometimes these disagreements went
back generations and the people were enslaved to them. Monnina deliberately
sought a quiet and desserted place, both suited to her own spirituality
associated as it was with the Desert Fathers, and to provide a haven for the
local people to come and seek prayer and relief from the binding and
destructive paganism that held such sway in the area. Over time King Macloithe
became deeply imporessed by these women and their type of life, although he
appears to have been very concerned that none of the women ate meat (although
this could be a euphemism for something else! Early Irish texts are not quite
so ‘proper’ as we would be and they are not without strange little
quips and innuendo).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This King became a
benefactor to the group, helping them to establish the community and build a
number of churches. Conchubran, in his Life of the saint, describes the church
as stone dressed planks in a style that the Scottish are partial to. A small
stone cross was erected at the centre of the community and the nuns became
known throughout all of Ireland for their dedication in prayer. Many people
made the journey from both far and near to visit the nuns and plead for their
intercession. At times, various other saints and holy men and women had to come
and keep Monnina in check because she had a tendency to inflict such an
austere programme of fasting that some nuns were literally brought to the very
edge of death! Monnina was very strict on herself and later in life she
describes how she was visited by angels, but there are hints that the other
nuns are skeptical and believe that this is the product of her mind after
severe fasting. Despite a life of such incredible austerity, Monnina lived to a
very considerable age. We are told that late in life she was to play a very
considerable part in the Synod of Easdra. Some more modern accounts tell of her
missionary activity in Scotland, but this is certainly not Monnina, but rather
the somewhat obscure Saint Modwena. We do not know the date Monnina was born
and we do not know what date she died, but all records suggest she died on 6<sup>th</sup>
July.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jdMs8cIYIE/T8zVPMHseqI/AAAAAAAAAoI/U37x_ihjXb0/s1600/DSCF8010_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jdMs8cIYIE/T8zVPMHseqI/AAAAAAAAAoI/U37x_ihjXb0/s320/DSCF8010_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The pilgrim path to the holy well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today there are a number of remaining churches in Killeavy.
It was one of the most important convents in all of Ireland. It existed for
almost one and a half thousand years, surviving two major tragedies – the great
Viking raid in which many local monastery’s and convents were completely
destroyed and tales of a great and terrible storm that was so severe that
almost all of the churches in the area were either damaged or totally destroyed
and many thousands of people killed by collapsing buildings. The fourth abbess
of Killeavey, Sr Derlaisre, is said to have planned to build a fine wooden
church within the walls of the community. She is said to have asked, by
intercession of Saint Monnina for the materials and the very next morning a
kind local is said to have anonymously left all the seasoned wood that was
required. A chronicler of the area in 1110 records a visit to the new stone
church where a gable of the old wooden church is preserved as a miraculous
relic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the late twelfth century
the foundation had become Augustinian and was to remain so until dissolved in
1542 when the last abbess Alicia O’Hanlon left with her company of nuns to seek
a new place. The land was given to Sir Marmaduke, who all but ignored it,
although this was good in terms of its preservation in some respects. Sadly in
1768 the magnificent round tower, having been so badly neglected, collapsed in
a storm one evening and the stone was soon after removed to be reused
elsewhere. Today what looks like one large church is in fact two churches which
have been joined together at some point. The western church is one of the
oldest pre-Norman churches in all of Northern Ireland, and the east church
dates to around 1450. A number of the stones used in both churches indicate
that a considerable amount of recycling went on and some materials from the
older churches have been incorparted into the present ruins. To the south lies the
remains of the saint herself, capped with a stone slab seven feet in length and
five feet across and one and a half feet thick.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7oihYwXBog/T8zVmKKBaOI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/zsh8_eiqM5o/s1600/DSCF8029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7oihYwXBog/T8zVmKKBaOI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/zsh8_eiqM5o/s320/DSCF8029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Holy Well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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From the community boundary, walking down the south side, you
can see a little pilgrims path that leads up onto the slopes of Slieve Gullion.
On 6<sup>th</sup> July, a pattern is observed where people gather at the grave
of the saint to say prayers and then make their way up this pilgrim path to
visit her holy well. The Catholic Church, as with so many other patterns and
holy well sites, suppressed the pattern during the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries. This was done partly because of drunkenness and fighting that had become
notorious at some patterns, but mainly because at that time, especially during
the period of Catholic Emancipation, these practices were considered to be
superstitious and part of an old Catholic culture, not in keeping with the
traditions of Rome. Roman Catholic clergy at the time felt that the patterns
represented an old way of life and faith associated with that period before
emancipation and so in some ways it is understandable that they were keen to be
rid it. The pattern here was initially suppressed by the church in 1825,
revived in 1928 until 1934, foprgotten once again and then observed in the year
of Pilgrimage in 1974 and marked ever since. This well almost disappeared from
local memory even though it is recorded with its location in Concubar’s saint’s
Life and in a number of local historians in the medieval period. If it
were not for the determined and officially frowned upon actions of Fr James
Donnelly, this well could have been completely forgotten about. He restored the
well and with his own money constructed a shrine around it to ensure that
people knew what it was. Today the shrine around the well reads, ‘Tobar Naoimh
Blanthnaidh, AD 498-1929’. A walkway has been built around it recently to enable pilgrims to safely make 'rounds' at the holy well. It is a beautiful well, up a winding path that seems
to go on for ever, and across a field that was full of new spring lambs when
visited. A seat offers rest and a pleasant view and the water from the well
contains many minerals, leaving a rusty stain on the stone where pilgrims have
gathered it for years. The area is certainly conducive to the art of interior
prayer, nestled as you are in the shadow of the great Slieve Gullion. Here
sheep safely graze and it feels that God might indeed be listening. Sometimes
there are tales told of people who see the ancient symbol of Christianity in
these holy wells - the fish - and when they see it, it reminds them of God’s
presence and how he hears our prayers. I didn’t see a fish in the well, but
something dangling from the nearby rag tree on what was to turn into a very wet day,
caught my eye. It was a little fish, but even before I spotted it this place
had already invoked a special presence of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NV7bKM88j38/T8zV8CUXcfI/AAAAAAAAAoc/MopdkiQWqVE/s1600/DSCF8045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NV7bKM88j38/T8zV8CUXcfI/AAAAAAAAAoc/MopdkiQWqVE/s320/DSCF8045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>A wooden fish hangs from a rag tree near the well</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
View me, Lord, a work of Thine:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shall I then lie drown’d in night?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Might Thy grace in me but shine,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I should seem made all of light.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But my soul still surfeits so</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
On the poisoned baits of sin,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
That I strange and ugly grow,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
All is dark and foul within.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Cleanse me, Lord, that I may kneel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
At thine altar, pure and white:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They that once Thy mercies feel,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Gaze no more on earth’s delight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Worldly joys like shadows fade,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
When the heavenly light appears;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But the cov’nants Thou hast made,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Endless, know nor days, nor years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In Thy word, Lord, is my trust,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
To Thy mercies fast I fly;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Though I am but clay and dust,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Yet Thy grace can lift me high.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Thomas Campion.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FahFZea7Bmk/T8zWbcRFMmI/AAAAAAAAAok/7F3b4fS3MfE/s1600/DSCF8036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FahFZea7Bmk/T8zWbcRFMmI/AAAAAAAAAok/7F3b4fS3MfE/s320/DSCF8036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The view from the well as the mist rolls in</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How to find it:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The easiest way to find it is from the carriageway from
Belfast to Newry. Just before reaching Newry you will see signs to Killeavy
churches. It’s further inland than you might think, but eventually the road
comes straight to it. Walking up the south side of the community boundary wall,
follow the well-trodden pilgrim path up the slope of the mountainside, past a
seat and a wooden gate until you come to an open field. The well and shrine are
at the top end of the field.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2c5ZkTowy8/T8zW4XErxDI/AAAAAAAAAos/SAuGo5vajkE/s1600/DSCF8021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2c5ZkTowy8/T8zW4XErxDI/AAAAAAAAAos/SAuGo5vajkE/s320/DSCF8021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Little Lamb</i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wikio.co.uk/subscribethis?url=http%3A%2F%2Firelandsholywells.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"><img src="http://www.wikio.co.uk/shared/images/wikiothis/buttons/wikio_btn_abo-univ_rounded-open-blue_en.png" style="border: none;" alt="http://www.wikio.co.uk"/></a></div>Adomnánhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15338641692175389369noreply@blogger.com3