Wishing trees

“Wishing Trees” are very common throughout Ireland, England, and Scotland. They are usually individual trees upon which “folk magic”, “folk spells”, “faerie offerings”, or “prayers” are offered. Sometimes, it is particular to a specific species, where the tree lives, or how it looks. Many times, they are associated with faeries or a particular Deity.

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Holy Wells around Cork, Ireland

All Saints Well, BlarneyBallinspittleInchigeelaRonogue’s WellSt. Bartholomew’s Well, Cork CitySt. Brigid’s Well, CastlemagnerSt. Brigid’s Well, Mountbrigid, ButtevantSt. Fanahan’s Well, MitchelstownSt. Finbar’s Well, Gougane BarraSt. Fursey’s Well, Clonmeen Parish, BanteerSt. Gobnait’s Well (St. Abbey), Ballyvourney (Baile Mhuirne) – Feast Day February 11thSt. John’s Well, KilcorneySt. Laichteen’s Well, BlarneySt. Lawrence WellSt. Olan’s Well – Aghbullogue ParishSkour Well, Highfield, […]

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Tobar Ghobnatan Holy Wells: St. Abban’s Well and St. Gobnait’s Well

As you drive up to the Tobar Ghobnatan Statue, Well, Hut, Grave, Church ruins, and yard, you will see on your right a wrought iron archway with the letters spelling “HOLY WELL” along its top. Another sign labels it as the “Tobar Ghobnatan Holy Well”.

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Fagan’s Well – Lady’s Well, Feltrim Hill – Feltrim Quarry, Ireland

Much lore surrounds the hill, ranging from apparitions of a grey ghostly horse, a big black dog with blazing eyes, and a hold hag with bundles of faggots gliding towards the Holy Well. It is said the well was originally dedicated to St. Werburgh, a Saxon princess who ruled in 689 C.E.

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Holy Well of Shanrahan (Glengarra Woods, Co. Tipperary, Ireland)

ccording to the Folklore Archive Collection at UCD, the Holy Well of Shanrahan in Shanbally Demesne (ethnographic research from W. Flynn, Poundlane, Clogheen age 80) recently changed names from the “Holy Well of Shanbally” to “St. Malachis Well”. An older woman referred to the well as “Tobar upnai Ceasra” and it was known as a well to be visited every Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

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