Grania's Well, No. 2, Drummanneen

James Feeney

James Feeney

Grania's Well, No. 2, Drummanneen

James Feeney

Grania's Well, No. 2, Drummanneen

James Feeney

Townland: Drummanneen, Inchicronan

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This is one of two holy wells lying very close together in a large grazing field to the north of the Ballinruan Road, on the outskirts of the village of Crusheen (Croisín). The two holy wells are about 15-20 metres from the boundary of the field and are enclosed by wire fencing to keep farm animals at bay. They appear to have been out of use for some time.

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. The most interesting of these is Tobar Gráinne, on the hill of Ballycroum. It looks down on Lough Graney. Lough Graney, can also be known as ‘Loch Gráinne’, meaning ‘The Lake of the Sun’.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

These two wells lie in a managed pasture. The security fence surrounding them allows the grasses and wildflowers to grow here uninterrupted.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The village of Crusheen or Croisín in a short distance from the holy well sites. The 12th century Inchicronan Abbey which gives its name to the parish, is also nearby. It was built on the site of an earlier monastery. It is located at Inchicronan Lake, at the end of a causeway.

Additional Information

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