The site is dedicated to documenting the holy wells of the Burren region, located in North Clare in the west of Ireland. The Burren is about 350 square kilometres in size. It is a geographically vague area. However, the most commonly accepted definition of the region now accords with Tim Robinson’s map, The Burren, a two-inch map of the uplands of north-west Clare (1999) published by Folding Landscapes.
We will endeavour to photograph and write of all the wells which feature on Robinson’s map (and maybe even some other, forgotten wells). The wells will be categorised in alphabetical order – civil parish-by-parish. Public access, or lack thereof, is denoted in each case. Landowner’s permission should be sought in cases where there is no right of public access.
Tony Kirby is the writer and researcher whilst Karin Funke is photographer. Hydrological information is provided by Dr David Drew.
The background image is of the votive offerings at St. Colmcille’s holy well at Crumlin, Fanore. Even though the well is not recorded on the Robinson map, it is featured on our site.
