Fermanagh’s ‍”Well Well Well” ‍Tour Wins National Heritage‌ Award

A unique guided tour of ancient wells in County Fermanagh,Ireland,has ⁣been recognized with a‌ prestigious 2024⁢ National Heritage County Award. The ​event, creatively titled “Well Well Well,” was spearheaded by george elliott and celebrated the region’s rich history and folklore.

The tour, the only one of its kind in Fermanagh during ‍National Heritage Week, explored the⁤ meaning of water ​throughout history, from the medieval period to pre-Christian times.Elliott’s passion for uncovering lesser-known aspects of Fermanagh’s heritage shone thru in the meticulously crafted experience.

“Delighted ​to be recognised by National Heritage Week,” Elliott shared. “I have always had an interest in the more obscure delving into⁤ a spiritual realm. This talk helped encapsulate some of these aspects. It⁤ is also significant for​ me that Fermanagh ​is represented for its rich history and ⁤landscape on a national level.Hopefully, we can get more projects for National⁢ Heritage Week in the future.”

The tour⁣ featured three distinct wells, each steeped in local history⁢ and legend. The first, located near Lisnaskea’s Main Street, served the community and a nearby blacksmith’s forge⁣ for generations. The second, St. Ronan’s Well, sits along an old medieval walkway, connecting castlebalfour⁣ Demense to Aghalurcher Church ⁢and Graveyard. This well,‍ adorned with a stone cross, provided a backdrop for ⁢Elliott’s discussion of the religious and folkloric beliefs associated with ancient wells.

A striking ⁢hawthorn tree stands near St. ronan’s Well,serving as⁤ a “clootie tree”—a tradition where strips of‌ cloth are ​tied to branches as part of a healing‍ ritual,reflecting the curative properties attributed to both the ‌tree and the well. The final well, known as “the Eye Well” in Stranafeeley, ​is believed⁣ to have healing properties. Near this well, Elliott made a fascinating finding: burnt mounds, evidence of a pre-historic practice of using heated stones and water for various purposes.

The ⁣”Well Well Well” tour’s success and​ subsequent award underscore the importance of⁣ preserving ⁤and celebrating local history and heritage. ⁣It serves as an inspiring example of how community-driven initiatives can bring national recognition to lesser-known past sites and traditions, offering a unique lens into the past for both locals and visitors alike. ⁢ The award is a ​testament to Elliott’s dedication and passion for sharing Fermanagh’s rich cultural tapestry.

this event ‌mirrors similar prosperous heritage ‌initiatives across the United States, highlighting the growing interest in exploring ⁢local history and folklore. From historical walking tours in Boston to archaeological digs in the Southwest, communities are ⁢increasingly embracing their unique pasts.

Ancient Wells of Fermanagh Recognized at National Heritage Awards

The historical and mythological significance ⁤of wells in County Fermanagh, Ireland, was recently celebrated when ⁢a⁤ unique guided tour, “Well ‍Well Well,” received a prestigious 2024⁤ National Heritage County ‌Award. ‌Led by local historian George Elliott, the tour ​explored the‌ region’s rich tapestry of folklore‍ and ⁢tradition surrounding these ancient water sources. We sat down with Dr. Fiona Brennan, ⁤a folklorist specializing in​ Irish wells and their cultural ‍impact, to discuss this captivating subject.

Unearthing History Through Water: The “Well Well Well” Tour

WTN Senior ‌Editor: Dr. Brennan, congratulations on the success of the‍ “well Well Well” tour!​ Can you share what makes these ancient⁣ wells so historically and culturally significant in Fermanagh?



dr. ⁢Fiona Brennan: Thank you! The “Well Well Well” tour‍ is truly commendable in shedding light on a hidden aspect of fermanagh’s⁢ heritage. Wells have served as vital sources⁢ of water throughout history, but their cultural significance extends far beyond their practical​ use. In Ireland, wells were often ⁢considered sacred spaces, associated with healing, ⁤ritual, and folklore.They feature prominently‌ in Celtic mythology and hold a special place in⁢ the collective memory of the Irish people.

Exploring Connections from Medieval Times to Pre-Christian Beliefs

WTN Senior Editor: The tour ​ explored​ the evolving meaning of water from the medieval period to pre-Christian times. What kind of specific beliefs and traditions were connected to these wells throughout⁢ different eras?



Dr. Fiona Brennan: Indeed, the tour smartly highlighted this evolution. During the ​medieval period, wells were often associated with saints and Christian rituals, and many wells were dedicated to specific saints known for their healing powers. The tour’s focus ‍on st. Ronan’s Well‌ is a good example of ​this.



Moving back further in time, pre-Christian beliefs often saw individual ⁣wells⁢ as gateways to the Otherworld, inhabited ​by deities and spirits. The practice of leaving offerings at wells, like cloth​ tied to trees – often referred to ⁢as ‘clootie wells’ – likely derives from these ancient⁢ beliefs.

The Enduring Power of local Heritage Tourism ⁢

WTN Senior Editor: The​ “Well ⁣Well Well” tour offers a unique lens for both locals and visitors to experiance Fermanagh’s past. What do you see as the broader impact of​ community-driven heritage initiatives like this one?



Dr. Fiona Brennan: initiatives like “Well Well well” are incredibly valuable​ for ‍preserving local knowledge and traditions. They encourage people to engage⁢ with their history and heritage in a tangible way, fostering a‍ sense of⁤ pride and ownership. These tours can also contribute significantly to responsible tourism by‌ offering authentic experiences that connect visitors ​with the unique character of a place.