As we approach the annual visit to The Holy Well in Ballyheigue on 8th September The Pattern Day. It is appropriate to feature Patrick Logan’s fine book on the Holy Wells of Ireland.
Holy wells have been a feature of the religion of the Irish people for longer than records have existed. Pilgrimages to them are not as common as in the last centuries, many wells are still visited. These visit usually take place on the Saints’ or ‘Pattern’ Days.
In this survey Dr Patrick Logan describes many of those wells that are still visited. He details the features of the pilgrimage and the benefits obtained, together with the legends attached to the wells. The author describes the saints they are dedicated to and their Pattern Days, the sites, trees and stones associated with them.