Mayo’s holy wells to be surveyed

SLIGO-BASED archaeological consultancy firm Fadó Archaeology have been appointed by the heritage office of Mayo County Council to undertake a survey of the heritage of the holy wells in Mayo. The survey is part funded by the Heritage Council.

In a social media post, the company said they were very excited to begin the research and asked people to get in touch and share any information about the holy wells in the county.

You can get in touch by email at info@fadoarchaeology.com.

They shared a photo of St. Colman's Well in Slievemore, on Achill Island, which has a little worm associated with it, that can be an omen for the future.

'We have a Blessed Well at Slievemore, the name of it is St. Colman's. The particular day for going to it is the 15th of August.

"The old people say that there is a tradition in going to Blessed Wells, the first person that will be at it early in the morning will have his wish.

"The old people say that there is an omen in Blessed Wells, some people say that there is a little worm in it and if he comes up to the top of the water you or someone belonging to you will die.'

Reference: The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0086, Page 256. National Folklore Collection, UCD.