Name of Pilgrimage site, location and Eircode
St. Batt’s (St Bartholomew’s) Holy Well, is situated in Carhoonaknock East, Coolard, Co. Kerry, a short distance from the Gale Road. The blessed well is situated in a wood of tall trees. The well is shallow with a heart shape. A stream of freshwater flows from it.
Link to location on Google maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RUXEdTiqbnpg5BgT7
Why is it a place of pilgrimage? Tell us the story.
Entries in the Schools Folklore Collection states that the water from the well cures sore eyes, sore throats, sore backs and rheumatism: The water is either drunk or mixed with moss and applied to affected area. Several people were cured of their ailments while doing their rounds at the well. The water of the well was used for all domestic purposes except for washing clothes. It is said locally that the well was situated approximately two hundred yards to the north of where it now stands and it moved to its present location when a woman washed clothes in it. On another occasion when Coolard people were short of water, they began to use the well water, however when they put the water down on the fire to boil, they couldn’t get it to boil. A blessed trout is said to live in the well and a cure is guaranteed if seen.
Further information e.g. prayers or rituals associated with the pilgrimage
The Pattern Day when people visit the well is the last Saturday of April. It is also visited on the Saturday before 24th June and the Saturday before 29th September. On the pattern day people say their rosary while walking around the well three times. This is considered as one round, but three rounds are usually completed. Many holy objects such as medals, ribbons, pictures and offerings of money are left or hung on trees by visitors.