Ballycannan Holy Well, Saint Patrick's Parish
Townland, Ballycannan North, Saint Patrick’s Parish
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The holy well site is said to be at the edge of a grazing field, a little north of Meelick Village, on the north side of the L3068 road. The well was indicated as being on the edge of a wooded area in the field. The exact site of the well was not located at the time of the research visit and no locals had any knowledge of its whereabouts.
An area on the opposite side of the road to the grazing field was originally pointed out as the well site. Here, a spring delivers pure water in a small grove beside a stream. Many people visited this spring in the past in the belief that it helped with a number of maladies, including poor eye health and arthritis. The well here was more than likely a health well, a well without a spiritual connection. Local knowledge states that the holy well fell out of use a generation or two ago.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
The well is located within the parish of Saint Patrick and it may have been dedicated to Patrick when active, making 17th March an important feast day at the site. Alternatively, it may have always served as a health well.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The site where the well is said to have been located is a cultivated grazing field with typical farm hedging.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
Limerick City is a short distance from the holy well site, offering food, accommodation and cultural venues.
Additional Information
The 1842 Ordnance Survey map shows a small community of houses close to the holy well site. There is a cemetery located roughly 500 metres from the holy well.
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Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL063-004
Surveyed by Michael Houlihan
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