|
Kells Archaeological & Historical Society
St. Colmcill`s Well
Holy wells exist in every county of Ireland, sadly many have fallen into disrepair, but with renewed interest in the history and customs with these ancient sites many have been restored, and are fullfilling a greater awarness and need, as in times past.
|
The Well -Spring 2012
FEAST
OF ST. COLMCILLE
2015
Annual Pattern
at
St Colmcille's Well
Monday
JUNE 8th AT 8 PM
Kells
Silver Band & Parish of Kells, invites all
parishioners and friends to
join them in their Annual prayers and music at St.
Colmcille’s Well, Climber Hall, Kells This
is a tradition that Kells Silver Band has perpetuated in
our Community for over 170 years |
 |
St. Colmcille`s Well is located at the end of a row of houses, at the edge of town, off the Oldcastle Rd. Entry is through a wrought iron gate onto a laneway which meanders until one reaches the Well.The Feast day of Colmcille is celebrated in Kells, on the Eve of the 9th June, a Tradition, time out of mind, with the Kells Silver Band being part of this celebration since 1843. |
 |
| Entrance | Summer 2011 | |
 |
 |
 |
| Laneway |
 |
Over the years the Well had slowly deteriorated, with the laneway and water course being strangled by vegetation despite the efforts of locals. In 2010 Kells Archaeological & Historical Society with the goodwill and assistance from the landowner, and grant aided from Kells Town Council, embarked on a rejuvenation project to restore the Well to its earliest known layout. This was completed in time for St. Colmcille`s Day in June 2011. |  |
| Well 2007 | Well 2008 | |
 |
 |
 |
| 2003 | 1910c | Pilgrims 2011 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pattern Day 8th June | Blessing & Thanksgiving | Kells Silver Band |
 |
Some of the earlier customs of ancient
wells were associated with pagan deities, with the coming
of Christianity, many early Christian sites were
constructed near pagan wells. (Monastery of Kells), and
the early Celtic church used them for baptism until the
Roman church replaced them with the font inside the
building. St. Colmcille`s well, has retained some of
these earlier associated rituals, as in the laying of
Iris flags on doorsteps in May, and votive offerings for
favours, i.e. as in healing the sick, and guidance of
ones self being. |
 |
| Fountain of Youth | Crowd on a Sunny Day | |
 |
 |
 |
| 2012 | Shrine 2012 | 2012 |
