During the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals made a pilgrimage to St’s Finian’s holy well, situated on the Iveragh peninsula, Kerry County. The well, named after the celestial sixth-century saint known for safeguarding the public against the Black Death (named so due to the black marks caused by subcutaneous bleedings), provided comfort and relieve again during the current pandemic, which for many, is their inaugural pandemic experience.
Holy wells in Ireland are rich in folklore and heritage, with documented testimonies supporting their curative powers. Numerous ailments including colds, sore throats, ear infections, toothaches, headaches, eye issues, as well as arthritis, rheumatism, general aches, pains and neuralgia, are said to find relief in these wells. Some individuals also testify to the positive influence these wells have on mental health. The healing procedures typically involve a dip in the holy water, direct application of the water to the affected part or consuming small amounts of the water.
Intrigued by the potential link between the water’s chemical properties in Ireland’s holy wells and the assorted cures attributed to certain wells, Bruce Misstear, a hydrogeologist, initiated an extensive study investigating around 200 Irish holy wells in the 2010s’ later part.
His early 40s found him transitioning from a consultancy position focused on groundwater developments in various countries to the academic world. As he neared his retirement years, Bruce decided to pursue his PhD in Irish holy well hydrogeology, a subject he has taught in Trinity College Dublin for over 25 years, including environmental engineering.
Alongside his wife, Gillian Misstear, and having taken a casual interest in visiting some of the approximately 2,000 remaining holy wells in Ireland, Bruce delved into the geological landscapes hosting holy wells and their water chemistry.
His goal was to discover if certain geological landscapes exhibited a higher density of holy wells, compare the water chemistry between holy wells and others, and determine a potential connection between the claimed health benefits and the water chemistry. Following his PhD completion, Bruce penned the book “Wells and Wellbeing – the Hydrogeology of Irish Holy Wells” (Geological Survey Ireland).
Misstear’s study suggests that the occurrence of holy wells in Ireland is influenced not by rock structures such as limestone, metamorphic or igneous rock, but rather by the exact geographical position of springs or natural groundwater seepages. Groundwater, typically more mineral-rich than surface water, can offer beneficial dietary elements like calcium, magnesium, and iron. According to Misstear, water is more calcium bicarbonate-rich in areas of limestone, while waters in regions of metamorphic and igneous rocks are typically softer.
By conducting in-depth geochemical analysis of water samples from over 200 holy wells, Misstear made the observation that the chemical makeup of the water was generally akin to what he expected to observe in other similar springs. There seemed to be barely any relationship between alleged therapeutic properties and the specific chemistry of the water.
Nonetheless, Misstear did uncover that those holy wells most frequently associated with remedies for eye conditions were predominantly closer to the sea and had marginally increased levels of dissolved sodium chloride (salt). Considering the use of saline in alleviating eye irritations, Misstear deemed this occurrence intriguing, while noting that these salt concentrations in the wells were significantly lower than those present in eye wash solutions. Furthermore, he found that conditions affecting the eyes were connected to a greater amount of holy wells than any other affliction.
Despite his findings, Misstear provides a word of caution for visitors to holy wells, advising them to not always expect the water to be safe to drink, specifically during times of excessive rainfall or agricultural runoff in the surrounding areas. He cites a study in Austria which discovered that a substantial number of springs had contamination from faecal bacteria and around a fifth of the samples had nitrate levels exceeding the European Union’s drinking water standard. Following similar concerns, a number of local authorities in Ireland have erected warning signs against consuming water from certain holy wells.
Although his study didn’t conclusively prove the healing power of Irish holy wells folklore, the water from Tobar na nGealt (Lunatic’s Well) in Co Kerry was found by hydrogeologist Misstear to have traces of lithium, a mood stabilising drug. This supported earlier research by psychiatry professor Brendan Kelly from TCD. However, both investigators concurred that the lithium concentration in the water was too miniscule to provide any discernible health benefits.
Despite the fact that the water from the well didn’t yield the anticipated scientific verification of traditional remedies, Misstear and many of his predecessors believe that the cultural and emotional value of these wells within their healing landscapes shouldn’t be overlooked.
Misstear’s interest in hydrogeology was triggered by the intriguing connections between springs and valleys, trees and rocks, and graveyards and churches. During the research process for his book, appropriately named ‘Wells and Wellbeing’, he was inspired by the allure of the wells they stumbled upon in remote Irish locations and the comfort one could draw from them.
Some of Misstear’s personal favourite holy wells in Ireland include the Tobernault (Glen Well) in Carraroe, Co Sligo, St Declan’s holy well in Toor, Co Waterford, and St Kee’s Well in Foohagh, West End, Co Clare. He also commends the innovative renovation of Toberaheena (Friday’s Well) close to Clonmel, Co Tipperary, which is now a tranquil haven for people who have been affected by suicide, thus highlighting the potential use of a holy well site as a therapeutic landscape.
The legislation protecting holy wells under national monuments estimates about 1,000 out of the 3,000 wells recorded in the 19th-century ordnance survey no longer exist.
Misstear has voiced his desire for heightened safeguarding of Ireland’s sacred wells, inspired by recent archaeological explorations in several counties. The Heritage Council’s latest issuance Holy Wells in Ireland and a revival of interest in the National Folklore Collection’s school assembly (duchas.ie) demonstrates a continuing fascination with the wells’ cultural and geographic history.
Despite the protection bestowed upon these holy wells by national monument legislation, it is believed that around a third of the original 3,000 wells outlined in a 19th-century military survey no longer exist. Misstear proposes increasing their designation on county geological locations could elevate public awareness, fostering a stronger impulse to protect them.
Currently, a mere nine holy wells are recognised as county geological sites and included in county development strategies. Misstear believes enhancing the number of such designations could increase their recognition. Furthermore, he suggests incorporating some into Natural Heritage Areas could assist in shielding them from future harmful effects.