St Patricks Well
Posted by: 
Windsocker
N 53° 21.019 W 007° 16.492
29U E 614830 N 5912628
St Patricks well is located in the townland of Ballyfore at the base of the famous Croghan Hill.
Waymark Code: WM32B6
Location: Ireland
Date Posted: 01/29/2008
Views: 53
The Irish name for Ballyfore is Baile Fuar. This could mean Cold Town or most likely the Town of the springs. There are many springs and wells in Ballyfore. Ballybeg is beside Ballyfore and in Irish is Baile Bheag which means the Small Town. There are quite a few wells in Ballybeg the most notable well is St. Patrick's Well. This is a sacred or holy well. The well is on the north-eastern slope of the hill. People say that the well sprung up where St. Patrick's horse landed. There is a stone at the well with the hoof marks of his horse on it. It is said that the water of the well cannot be boiled.
To this day people still leave personal items there for cures.
When Pope John Paul II made a visit to Ireland in 1979 the helicopter taking him to Clonmacnois flew over the hill. Hundreds of people gathered on the hill that morning to wave to him as he passed. A plaque has also been placed at the well to commemorate this.
Nearby car parking: N 53° 21.329 W 007° 16.656
Weblink for more information on this Holy well: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
A photograph of the well would be appreciated to record your visit, but this is not absolutely mandatory, as long as you can describe your visit.
Do you know any more about the history of this well?. If so please let us know.