Slaine is a Registered Charity, No. CHY 14794. We are a nationwide group of people committed to regenerating and documenting Ireland 's holy and sacred wells.

Membership of Sláine comes in three categories:

A) Full Membership @ €20 per year.

B) Family Membership @ €30 per year.

C) Associate Membership @ €10 per year.

If you would like to become a member of Sláine, or make a donation to help our work, you can do so online here.

If you would prefer to pay by cheque then please contact us.

Nobody knows with certainty how long the wells have been here, but many believe they are more than 5000 years old, which makes them even older than Newgrange in the Boyne Valley.

What do we do?

Our aim is to clean, unblock, restore and fully document the holy wells of Ireland.

From time immemorial, Irish people have firmly believed in the healing powers of sacred well waters. Special days were set aside to visit wells and leave gifts in appreciation. The wells were cleaned, generally cared for and the water channels kept clear to ensure the flow of water in and out of the well's basin. Carrying healing powers and blessings, the water flowed into the nearest streams and on to rivers and lakes so that all life forms dependant upon water could benefit.

Mankind cannot exist without access to clean water and, worryingly, water pollution has increased alarmingly of late and is set to get worse. Ireland 's wells were once a prime source of pure water, being filtered through many layers of earth, sand, rock and shale as it bubbled its way to the surface.

Sláine has visited a number of wells in Ireland and is shocked at what has been found. For example at Tara in Co. Meath, world famous as the one-time seat of the high kings of Ireland, out of 6 wells known to be on site, only one remains and even that is blocked and generally neglected. Another, at the historic village of Fore in Co. Westmeath has been filled in and can no longer function as a well.

First, locate a well.

Either look on the Map Page for wells in your area, or find out about other, undocumented ones. The best source of information is to talk to local country folk who often know the location of ancient hidden wells not found on any map. They can also provide fascinating stories about their history.

Remember:

• Get permission from the landowner if the well is on private property. Sláine has available a Disclaimer Letter that may be handed to farmers or landowners that may ease access difficulties caused by the passing of the Occupiers Liability Act of 1995. Please write to or email Sláine if you wish to be sent a copy of the Disclaimer.
• Never interfere with stonework.

When the well is found.

First check whether it is functioning properly by dropping a piece of grass into the water. If the grass moves quickly and then disappears down an often hidden outlet pipe, you can be certain that the water is flowing and the well is full.

When the grass remains immobile you can be equally sure that the water is blocked either coming in or going out. Clearing the outlet pipe often solves the problem, but when the water doesn't reach the outlet pipe the problem is more difficult to solve. It takes a lot of time and patience to encourage the water to return to the well but with dedicated intent it can be done!

With all wells, the first step is to clean them thoroughly. The water may look clear but usually a thick layer of decomposed matter and other junk is hidden underneath. Scooping the sludge out with a bucket is not too arduous but may have to be repeated a few times.

Once the outlet pipe has been cleaned the next step is to check that the channel into which the outlet pipe flows is clear. Our remote ancestors harvested water, so these channels usually led to a river, stream or lake. Sadly, many of the offended wells have bogs near them. This is usually caused by new springs appearing in the vicinity instead of channelling the water through the holy well.

Searching for wells is an exciting adventure not unlike visiting an art gallery where every picture is unique!

Looking after the area around them, keeping the grass tidy and making the place look attractive is rewarding.

The Brigidine Nuns in Kildare have put a rubbish bin near the entrance to one of their wells, and a notice saying “Please respect this place – it is a sacred place” on the gate. Both excellent ideas! On special occasions they organise celebrations at the holy well, and anyone wishing to attend is welcome.

Lastly: Tell us what you found, what you did and what you recommend so that we can let others know what is to be found and to keep our database up to date.

contact us