Mayo Holy Wells Project

Mayo’s Holy wells are sacred places embedded in the natural landscape. They are often places of great antiquity, steeped in folklore and traditional custom. Holy wells hold an important place in Ireland’s culture, offering pilgrims a peaceful place for personal devotion, prayer and healing.

There are 146 holy wells recorded in County Mayo in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. Mayo’s holy wells can be found in many locations throughout the county, down boreens, up mountains, in bogs, by the seashore and even in our towns and villages. Many of Mayo’s wells are still frequented, with active devotions taking place. However, many more wells are now forgotten; both the location and customs lost from living memory.

The Mayo Heritage Office, with funding from the Heritage Council, has from 2022 to 2024 undertaken a survey of Mayo's holy wells. Tamlyn McHugh, Fado Archaeology, has carried out this survey on behalf of Mayo County Council and has collected and compiled information on Mayo’s holy wells. Local knowledge has been very valuable to the project, and we are very grateful to all those who have provided information on their local holy wells.

If you have any queries about the Mayo Holy Well Survey, or are part of a Mayo based community group who are considering developing a project to care for the holy well in your area, you can contact Tamlyn on 086 8706529 or email info@fadoarchaeology.com.

On Tuesday 17th September, 2024 at 7.30pm, in Castlebar Library, archaeologist Tamlyn McHugh will give a talk on the Mayo Holy Wells Project including the survey results, describing newly recorded holy wells and the many fascinating customs and cures associated with Mayo’s holy wells.

All are welcome.

Full details of the talk are available here