Brigid, Bríd, and the Holy Well
The curious intersections between the Christian and the Pagan in Ireland have always interested me, and (perhaps) they have particular resonance as we approach the strange hybrid / bastardised 'festival' called Halloween (or Oíche Samhna if you prefer).
A delightful example of such hybridity is "St. Brigid's Well" in Liscannor, Co. Clare. As far as I can make out, Brigid (or Bríd) was never actually a Christian saint at all, but rather the "daughter of Dagda (and therefore one of the Tuatha de Danaan)",1 who, "only appeared after the fire goddess, Bríd was assimilated into Irish Christian belief".2
As for the well itself, well (ahem) mere words fail to do it justice so I refer you to the wonderful pictures available at blather.net and its associated 'Photoblog' deadlyphoto.
I must visit there soon with my digital camera in tow. 'Tis a 'photo opportunity' not to be missed.
October 19, 2005
