Holy wells are surely one of the most iconic examples of Ireland’s hidden outdoor heritage, with over 3,000 wells dotted across the country. In Wicklow alone, there are thought to be more than 100 holy wells; but despite their multitude, these wells are often surprisingly difficult to find and many risk being forgotten altogether. But for those who know where to find them, the holy wells of the Wicklow Mountains offer a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s past.
Ancient origins
On the wooded slopes of Carrick, almost hidden among the trees, lies Lady’s Well. This shallow pool lies just off-trail and could easily be overlooked if not for the tell-tale signs of a holy well: a cache of coins and trinkets left at the water’s edge, and a collection of colourful ribbons fluttering in the branches of a nearby hawthorn tree. These offerings attest to the importance of Lady’s Well as a sacred spring, and hint at ancient traditions of holy well veneration in Ireland. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ritual practice of leaving offerings at wells and springs dates back to the Iron Age or possibly even earlier. Similarly, supernatural springs and miraculous wells feature heavily in Irish mythology, where they are often depicted as sources of wisdom and healing, or as portals to the mythical realm of the Otherworld.
Folk religion and Christianity
With the arrival of Christianity in Ireland in the fifth century, the pagan tradition of holy wells was soon adapted and reappropriated by followers of the new faith. In this new Christian context, new customs and practices surrounding holy wells began to take shape.
Many holy wells came to be closely associated with particular patron saints; consequently, it became a common practice to visit holy wells on the associated saint’s feast day, known as ‘pattern’ days. Held annually, these ‘pattern’ days typically involved: a pilgrimage to the holy well; “paying the rounds” or circumambulating the well reciting prayers; drinking or bathing in the well’s waters; and last but not least, lively celebrations involving music, dancing, feasting, and drinking. The social aspect of pattern days highlights the importance of holy wells as gathering places for local communities, where people could come together and reaffirm their group identity through shared rituals and celebration. In times of adversity as well as celebration, the importance of holy wells as communal gathering places remained strong; for example, during the penal times, holy wells were often used as mass sites. Fraughan’s Well on Trooperstown Hill is one such holy well in Wicklow which is associated with a nearby mass rock from the penal era.
Decline and revival?
However, from the eighteenth century onwards, the long-standing Irish tradition of holy well veneration faced a series of challenges. State repression, famine, and church disapproval of ‘immoral’ behaviour at pattern days all contributed to the decline of holy well worship in the nineteenth century, and by the twentieth century, it seemed to be at risk of disappearing entirely.
But our national fascination with holy wells never went away completely, and in recent years, there seems to be a modest but growing interest in Wicklow’s holy wells. Wicklow Wells, a citizen heritage initiative, has dedicated the past nine years to locating, marking, and raising awareness of Wicklow’s holy wells. Consequently, long-dormant local traditions, such as the pattern day at Lady’s Well on August 15th, are being revived with new enthusiasm. In these ways, we see a new generation of interested individuals interacting with the holy wells, learning their history, and imbuing these sacred sites with new meaning.
4 of the Best Holy Wells to Visit in Wicklow:
This post was created in collaboration with HeritageHiking, a citizen heritage project showcasing the unique history and mythology of the Wicklow Mountains. To discover more hidden stories of the Wicklow Mountains, check out @heritage_hiking on Instagram. To learn more about Wicklow’s holy wells, visit the Wicklow Wells -Toibreacha Chill Mhantáin Facebook page.
