28 May Holy Wells in Ireland
Natural springs, found throughout Ireland and other Celtic countries. Before Christianity, gthese springs were dedicated to female deities, representitives of the local earth mother deities. Holy wells are an example of how Christianity became superimposed on local pagan customs and beliefs of the pre-Christian Celtic world. Many holy wells, according to local belief, are said to possess strange powers. Some of them are classed as healing wells, others as cursing wells, and some even combine the powers of cursing and healing. There are also wells that can make the poor rich, the unhappy happy, and the unlucky lucky. The wells are typically named for female saints.
You can see them on a tour of Ireland or our Belfast tours with Ireland Luxury Tours……