Mayo holy wells project launch this Heritage Week
AMONG the many interesting archaeological sites of County Mayo are its holy wells.
These sacred places ae embedded in the natural landscape. They are places often of great antiquity, steeped in folklore and traditional custom.
Holy wells hold an important place in Ireland’s culture, offering pilgrims a peaceful place for personal devotion, prayer and healing.
There are 146 holy wells recorded in Mayo in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. They can be found in many locations - down boreens, up mountains, in bogs, by the seashore and even in our towns and villages.
Many of the wells are still frequented, with active devotions taking place. However, many more are now forgotten; both the location and customs lost from living memory.
Join archaeologist Tamlyn McHugh for two National Heritage Week outings - the first is to Rosserk Holy Well, near Killala, on Sunday, August 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., and the second to Kilgeever Holy Well, near Louisburgh, on Sunday, August 21, also from 2 to 4pm.
Tamlyn will describe the many fascinating customs and cures associated with Ireland’s holy wells.
“These outings mark the launch of the Mayo Holy Wells Project, which includes a survey of holy wells in the county and the collection and compilation of information on the heritage of our holy wells,” said Deirdre Cunningham, Mayo heritage officer. “Local knowledge will be very valuable to the project, and we are encouraging people to provide information on their local holy wells.”
The Mayo Holy Wells Project (www.mayo.ie/holy-wells) is an initiative of the Mayo Heritage Forum and is an action of the County Mayo Heritage Plan. It is funded by the Heritage Council and Mayo County Council.
The project is being delivered by Tamlyn McHugh of Fadó Archaeology on behalf of Mayo County Council Heritage Office.
For further information on the Heritage Week 2022 outings, or if you would like to contribute information regarding your local holy well for inclusion in the Mayo Holy Wells Project, please contact Tamlyn on (086) 8706529 or email info@fadoarchaeology.com.