The Leitrim Community Holy Wells Project (2026) is a community heritage initiative to research Holy Wells across Co. Leitrim. There are two main parts to the project. The first is to collect and catalogue all existing information about Holy Wells in Leitrim, and secondly to gather oral histories about these sites. It is hoped that by engaging the community to help investigate these sites a more complete picture can be gained about all aspects of these culturally important sites.
Holy wells, sites of heritage and cultural interest and significance, have long been part of the Irish landscape. Moreover, they are still places where long-held traditions continue to be practised, and where religious faith finds expression.
We need volunteers, both individuals and community groups, to come forward to help undertake this research. There is a wealth of knowledge about Holy Wells online, in libraries and in the community. All volunteers will be asked to attend training sessions on how to go about collecting the information and gathering oral histories (i.e. stories). This information with be brought together, analysed, and mapped in detail, to further our understanding of Holy Wells in Leitrim.
The project will be co-ordinated by Archaeology Plan, who will deliver training to all community volunteers and support as the work progresses. The Heritage Officer for County Leitrim, Ms Sarah Malone, will be overseeing and supporting the project.
To participate in what should be an exciting and informative project, please contact either the Heritage Officer or Project Co-ordinator by email (details below).
This project is funded by the Heritage Council and supported by Leitrim County Council.
Contact
Heritage Officer: Sarah Malone, Email: smalone@leitrimcoco.ie
Archaeology Plan: John Cronin, Email: john@archaeologyplan.com
