Grania's Well, No.1, Drummanneen

James Feeney

James Feeney

Grania's Well, No.1, Drummanneen

James Feeney

Townland: Drummanneen, Inchicronan Parish

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This is one of two wells lying very close together in a large grazing field on the outskirts of the village of Crusheen. They are about 15-20 metres in from the field boundary.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

At least three wells in County Clare carry the name of the famous Celtic female, ‘Grania’ or Gráinne. This is one of a set of twin wells in Inchicronan which stand only a few tens of metres apart in a large grazing field. No history remains of the wells and there is very little evidence of them in the landscape. If they are as old as their connection to Grania suggests, then they likely date to pre-Christian times.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

The wells are located in a very large pasture field beside the Ballinruan Road.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The village of Crusheen (Croisín) is a short distance away. Inchicronan Abbey, dating to the 12th century, is also nearby. This site lends it name to the parish and was built on the site of an earlier monastery. It is situated on the lake of the same name, at the end of a causeway.

Additional Information

There are several non-Christian wells across Clare that were once of importance. They may have existed as ‘sacred springs’ before the majority were Christianised or at least absorbed into the new Christian religion. The Grania Wells appear to have retained their original names and dedications.