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Ireland

Munster

Clare

St. Breacan's Holy Well and Shrine

Discover
Places to see

Ireland

Munster

Clare

St. Breacan's Holy Well and Shrine

St. Breacan's Holy Well and Shrine

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    Best Hikes to St. Breacan's Holy Well and Shrine

    1. Rose Lover's Bench loop from Killadysert

    10.9km

    02:52

    110m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

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    July 9, 2019

    A holy well dedicated to St. Brecan/Breacan/Bricken (Irish spelling is not firm).

    The well is always open, although it is on private land. Caution is advised as there are sometimes cattle, including bulls, in the field. As such, the ground is uneven. It can either be accessed by a small roadside stair, where it is highly visible, or from Crovraghan House's remains on the road to Crovraghan Pier. If you choose this route, you may have to climb the gate, it tends to get stuck.

    St. Brecan is one of the oldest Irish saints, dating from the 5th century CE, 2 generations after St. Patrick. It's unclear why this shrine is dedicated to him, as he is mostly associated with the Aran Islands. Water from the well is said to cure ailments of the eyes. There is also at least one story in living memory of a man "leaving behind his crutches" at the well. The shrine itself was built by a local man in the 1940s after the owner of the pub in Kildysart "had a cure there" and put up the money for one to be erected. The cross marking the site was posted only a few years ago, by the son of the shrine builder.

    No special rounds or prayers are associated with the well. There is a broom sometimes hidden behind the shrine, if you wish to contribute upkeep as an offering. Candles are also commonly lit. The Kilkee parish sometimes holds mass at the shrine, dependent on weather and cattle.

      October 4, 2023

      A few steps off the busy paths, hidden on private land, reveals the quiet secret of St. Breacan's Spring. Once dedicated to St Brecan, one of the oldest Irish saints, who lived two generations after St Patrick in the 5th century. It is not entirely clear why this sacred site was dedicated to him, as his main connections are with the Aran Islands. But the mystery only makes the place more attractive.

      For the more adventurous, there are two paths that lead to the source. The more direct route begins at the small, noticeable staircase on the side of the street. The other, more hidden path, starts at the ruins of Crovraghan House and continues to Crovraghan Pier. If you choose this path, be careful: the gate tends to jam and it may be necessary to climb over it. But caution is generally advised because cattle, including bulls, sometimes graze here and the terrain is uneven.

      This sacred spring, surrounded by the tranquility of the land, has been considered healing for generations. The water from the spring in particular is said to cure eye problems. There are stories of people who seemingly experienced miracles after visiting the spring. The shrine itself was built by a local in the 1940s after the owner of the pub in Kildysart was supposedly healed there and provided the money for its construction. The cross that marks the spot today was erected just a few years ago by the carpenter's son.

      Translated by Google •

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        Elevation 80 m

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        Saturday 4 October

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        Location: Clare, Munster, Ireland

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