Holy Wells of Ireland
Sacred Realms and Popular Domains
- Hardcover
334 pages
- Release Date
5 September 2023
Summary
The verdant landscape of Ireland is dotted with holy wells—small springs, pools, and ponds that hold spiritual and often curative meaning to locals. Sadly, many of these sites have been lost to development, despite being associated with daily devotions and indigenous saints never canonized by the Catholic Church.
To celebrate and protect the wells that remain, Holy Wells of Ireland examines these irreplaceable resources of spiritual, archaeological, a…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780253066688 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0253066689 |
| Author: | Celeste Ray, Finbar McCormick, Carol Barron, Gary Branigan, Eugene Broderick, Attracta Brownlee, Ray Cashman, Janet Cassidy, Hannah Chew, Amanda Clarke |
| Publisher: | Indiana University Press |
| Imprint: | Indiana University Press |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 334 |
| Release Date: | 5 September 2023 |
| Weight: | 1.20kg |
| Dimensions: | 279mm x 216mm |
| Series: | Irish Culture, Memory, Place |
What They're Saying
Critics Review
“Deeply rooted in the rich cultural and natural heritage of Ireland, Holy Wells of Ireland celebrates the sacred allure of our holy wells, shedding light on the spiritual, historical, archaeological and ecological significance of these cherished sites. Through the lenses of various disciplines, the contributors unveil the profound connections between faith, pilgrimage, and the preservation of our natural environment. With contributions from a diverse group of experts, this comprehensive exploration offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the significance of holy wells in Irish life and identity. From their spiritual and historical importance to their role in preserving biodiversity, Holy Wells of Ireland serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of holy wells and the urgent need to safeguard the vital elements of our precious biocultural resources.“—Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland
“A deep dive into Ireland’s divine waterholes, sacred springs, and mystical hydro-portals, this book will change how you regard and experience the landscape of Ireland. Like a powerful well, it bubbles with insights, theories, and fables about these watery realms and therapeutic refuges.“—Manchán Magan, author of Listen to the Land Speak
“In pre-Christian times, sacred wells were considered to be a portal to the underworld and the trees that grew beside them a bridge between the earth and the heavens. This book is a magnificent homage to this ancient respect which lingers to this day.“—Éanna Ní Lamhna, author of Our Wild World
About The Author
Celeste Ray
Celeste Ray is Professor and Chair of Anthropology and Director of the Environmental Arts and Humanities Program at Sewanee: The University of the South. She is author of The Origins of Ireland’s Holy Wells and of Highland Heritage: Scottish Americans in the American South. She is editor most recently of Sacred Waters: A Cross-Cultural Compendium of Hallowed Springs and Holy Wells.
Finbar McCormick is a retired Senior Lecturer from the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University Belfast. He is author (with Aidan O’Sullivan, Thomas R. Kerr, and Lorcan Harney) of Early Medieval Ireland, AD 400–1100: The Evidence from Archaeological Excavations and (with Emily Murray) of Knowth and the Zooarchaeology of Early Christian Ireland.
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