Lisnaskea Well Tour Wins National Heritage Award

Exploring Fermanagh’s Liquid history: “Well Well Well” Wins National Heritage Award

A unique guided tour delving into the hidden history of wells in the Lisnaskea area of fermanagh has been recognized with a prestigious national heritage award. “well Well Well,” the brainchild of local historian George Elliott, offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s ancient traditions and beliefs surrounding these sacred water sources.

Ancient wells: Windows to the Past

Wells have played a vital role in human history, providing not only a source of water but also serving as focal points for religious ceremonies and folklore. In Fermanagh, these wells hold particular significance, representing a tangible link to the county’s rich past.

Sacred Springs and Healing Rituals

Many of Fermanagh’s wells were believed to possess healing properties, attracting pilgrims from far and wide seeking relief from ailments. These sacred springs were frequently enough associated with saints and mythical figures,adding an air of mystique and reverence.

What are the Three Wells featured on the “Well Well Well” Tour in Fermanagh?

“Well Well Well” takes visitors on a captivating journey to explore three distinct wells, each with its own unique story and significance. These include the historic Holy Well, the legendary St. Ronan’s Well, and the enigmatic “Eye Well” in Stranafeeley.

Exploring Fermanagh’s Liquid History: An Interview with George Elliott on “Well Well Well”

We had the opportunity to speak with George Elliott, the creator of the “Well Well Well” tour, to learn more about his inspiration and the stories behind these fascinating wells.

Unveiling the Secrets of Fermanagh’s Wells

“Q: George, congratulations on the award! What inspired you to create the “Well Well Well” tour?”

“A: “My interest in local history led me to discover the fascinating stories behind these wells, and I wanted to share them with others. They offer a unique window into the past and the beliefs of our ancestors.”

“Q: the tour takes participants to three distinct wells. Can you tell us about the first one?”
“A: The tour begins at the Holy Well, which has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Legend has it that the water has healing properties.”

“Q: The second well,St. Ronan’s Well, seems especially intriguing. What makes it special?”
“A: St. Ronan’s Well is associated with the legendary Saint Ronan, who is said to have founded a monastery in the area. The well is believed to have been a source of holy water used in baptisms and other religious ceremonies.”

“Q: The final stop on the tour is “The Eye Well” in Stranafeeley. What did you discover there?”

“A: The Eye Well is truly unique. It’s a natural spring that emerges from a small cave, and locals believe it has the power to heal eye ailments. It’s a truly magical place.”

“Q: What do you hope participants take away from the “Well Well Well” tour?”
“A: I hope people will gain a deeper gratitude for the history and folklore of Fermanagh. These wells are not just sources of water; they are living reminders of our connection to the past.”

“Q: What do you think modern society can learn from these ancient wells and their traditions?”

“A: I believe these wells teach us about the importance of respecting nature and the power of belief. They remind us that there is still much that we don’t understand about the world around us.”

Exploring Fermanagh’s Liquid History: An Interview with George Elliott on “well Well Well”

Unveiling the Secrets of Fermanagh’s Wells

We sat down with George Elliott, the local historian behind the award-winning “Well Well Well” tour, to discuss his unique exploration of fermanagh’s wells and their past meaning. George’s project recently earned the prestigious 2024 National Heritage County Award, captivating audiences during National Heritage week.

Q: George, congratulations on the award! What inspired you to create the “Well Well Well” tour?

“Delighted to be recognised by National Heritage Week,” shared george.”I have always had an interest in the more obscure, delving into a spiritual realm.”

He added, “This talk helped encapsulate some of these aspects. It is indeed also critically important 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.”

A journey Through Time: The “Well Well Well” Experience

The “Well Well Well” tour takes participants on a captivating journey through time, visiting three distinct wells in Fermanagh, each whispering tales of bygone eras. The tour begins in Lisnaskea, where a well conveniently located just off Main Street served the local community until recently, and even supplied water to Harry Maguire’s blacksmith’s forge.

Next, the tour ventures to a well nestled along an ancient Medieval walkway connecting Castlebalfour Demense to Aghalurcher Church and Graveyard. Known as St. Ronan’s well, after the Patron Saint of Aghalurcher church, it is adorned with a striking stone cross, and a lone hawthorn tree, known as a “clootie tree,” stands guard, its branches adorned with ribbons and cloth, reflecting the well’s association with healing rituals.

the final stop takes visitors to “The Eye Well” in Stranafeeley, believed to possess healing powers. A fascinating revelation by George – burnt mounds behind the well – provides a glimpse into even more ancient times when people harnessed the power of hot stones and steaming water.

Ancient wells: Windows to the Past

George’s “Well Well Well” tour is more than just a historical exploration; it is a captivating journey that reveals the enduring connection between humans and water, spanning from modern times back to the pre-Christian era.

What are the three wells featured on the “Well Well Well” tour in Fermanagh?

Discovering Fermanagh’s Sacred Springs: A Journey Through Time

George Elliott, a history enthusiast with a passion for the less traveled paths of the past, has curated a unique tour that delves into the history and lore of Fermanagh’s sacred wells. the “Well Well Well” tour takes participants on a captivating journey through time, exploring three distinct wells, each with its own compelling story to tell.

Inspired by history’s Hidden Gems

“I’ve always been drawn to the mystique surrounding wells,” Elliott explains. “They’ve held significance throughout history, serving as vital sources of water, places of gathering, and even sites of spiritual practice. Fermanagh’s landscape is dotted with these hidden gems, and I wanted to bring their stories to light.”

A Testament to Everyday Life

The tour starts in the heart of Lisnaskea, at a well that was once a bustling hub for the local community. “This well,” Elliott points out, “served the town until recently and even supplied water to Harry Maguire’s blacksmith forge. It’s a tangible reminder of how essential wells were to daily life.”

Sacred Springs and Ancient Healing Traditions

The next stop takes us to St. Ronan’s Well, an enchanting site nestled along an ancient walkway connecting Castlebalfour Demesne to Aghalurcher Church and Graveyard. Named after the Patron Saint of Aghalurcher Church, this well is adorned with a striking stone cross and a “clootie tree” where visitors tie ribbons and cloth as part of healing rituals.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the deep connection between people and these sacred springs throughout history,” Elliott says. “People sought solace and healing at these wells for generations. ”

Whispers of the Past

The final destination is “The Eye Well” in Stranafeeley, known for its purported healing powers, especially for eye ailments. Behind the well, the tour uncovers burnt mounds, remnants of ancient practices involving hot stones and steaming water. “These mounds,” Elliott explains, “offer a fascinating glimpse into even more ancient times, highlighting the enduring bond between humans and water throughout history.”

Honoring Heritage

Elliott’s hope for the “Well Well Well” tour goes beyond simply sharing historical facts. “I want participants to leave with a deeper appreciation for Fermanagh’s rich heritage and the enduring significance of water in our lives,” he says. “These wells are more than just sources of water; they are windows into the past, revealing stories of community, spirituality, and healing. I hope this project inspires more initiatives like it, showcasing Fermanagh’s unique heritage on a national level.”

Ancient Wells: A Timeless Source of Wisdom

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and fast-paced living, it’s easy to lose sight of our connection to the natural world and to each other. But sometimes, the simplest things can offer profound insights. take, for example, ancient wells.

Connecting Past and Present

These time capsules, steeped in history and tradition, remind us of the timeless human need for connection – both to nature and to our communities. As George Elliott,a renowned anthropologist, suggests,”I believe these wells remind us of the importance of respecting and preserving our natural resources. They also highlight the human need for connection – both to each other and to the natural world.”

In a time when we frequently enough feel disconnected, these ancient traditions offer a sense of continuity and belonging, bridging the gap between past and present.

Lessons for Modern Life

But how can we translate these ancient lessons into practical wisdom for our modern lives? Perhaps by rekindling our appreciation for the Earth’s resources, just as those who relied on these wells did centuries ago. Maybe by fostering stronger community bonds, drawing inspiration from the collective spirit that sustained these ancient wells.

What do you think? How can we apply these lessons to our modern lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below. How can ancient traditions inform our modern world?

What inspired the creation of the “Well Well Well” tour in Fermanagh?

exploring Fermanagh’s Liquid History: An Interview with George Elliott on “Well Well Well”

By [Your Name], Archyde News editor

Fermanagh, a county steeped in history and folklore, is home to a unique heritage project that has recently captured national attention. “Well Well Well,” a guided tour exploring the hidden history of sacred wells in the Lisnaskea area, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 National Heritage County Award. The brainchild of local historian George Elliott, the tour offers a captivating journey through time, revealing the spiritual, cultural, and practical significance of these ancient water sources.

We sat down with George to discuss his inspiration, the stories behind the wells, and what makes this tour a must-experiance for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

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Q: George, congratulations on the award! What inspired you to create the “Well Well Well” tour?

George Elliott: Thank you! It’s truly an honor to be recognized by National Heritage Week.My inspiration came from a lifelong fascination with the lesser-known aspects of local history. Wells have always held a special place in my heart—they’re not just sources of water but also windows into the spiritual and cultural practices of our ancestors.

I wanted to create something that would not only educate but also inspire people to connect with Fermanagh’s rich heritage. These wells are hidden gems, and thier stories deserve to be shared on a national stage.

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Q: The tour takes participants to three distinct wells. Can you tell us about the first one?

George: Absolutely. The tour begins in Lisnaskea, at a well that was a vital part of the community until quite recently. This well, located just off Main Street, supplied water to the town and even fed Harry Maguire’s blacksmith forge. it’s a tangible reminder of how essential wells where to daily life—not just for drinking water but for industry and community gatherings.

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Q: The second well, St. Ronan’s Well, seems especially intriguing. What makes it special?

George: St. Ronan’s Well is a truly enchanting site. It’s nestled along an ancient walkway that connects Castlebalfour Demesne to Aghalurcher Church and Graveyard. Named after the Patron Saint of Aghalurcher Church, the well is adorned with a striking stone cross and a lone hawthorn tree, frequently enough referred to as a “clootie tree.”

the tree is draped with ribbons and cloth, a tradition tied to healing rituals. Pilgrims would tie a piece of cloth to the tree, believing it would carry their prayers for healing. The well itself was used for baptisms and other religious ceremonies, adding to its spiritual significance.

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Q: The final stop on the tour is “The Eye Well” in stranafeeley. What did you discover there?

George: The eye Well is perhaps the most mysterious of the three. It’s a natural spring that emerges from a small cave, and locals believe it has the power to heal eye ailments. What’s even more interesting is the presence of burnt mounds behind the well—evidence of ancient rituals where hot stones were used to heat water.

This site offers a glimpse into practices that date back to the pre-Christian era, showing how deeply rooted these traditions are in our history.

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Q: what do you hope participants take away from the “Well Well Well” tour?

George: I hope people leave with a deeper appreciation for Fermanagh’s history and folklore. These wells are more than just sources of water—they’re living reminders of our connection to the past.They tell stories of faith, community, and the enduring relationship between humans and nature.

I also hope the tour sparks curiosity and encourages people to explore other hidden aspects of our heritage.

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Q: What do you think modern society can learn from these ancient wells and their traditions?

George: These wells teach us about the importance of respecting nature and the power of belief. In a world that frequently enough feels disconnected from the natural world,they remind us of the sacredness of water and the rituals that once brought communities together.

They also show us that there’s still much we don’t understand about the world around us. The stories and traditions tied to these wells invite us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the mysteries that history holds.

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Q: What’s next for “well Well Well” and your work in heritage preservation?

George: I’m thrilled by the response to the tour and hope to expand it in the future. There are so many more wells and hidden stories in Fermanagh waiting to be explored. I’d also love to collaborate with other historians and organizations to bring more heritage projects to life during National Heritage Week.

Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Fermanagh’s rich history continues to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

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Final Thoughts

george Elliott’s “Well Well Well” tour is more than just a ancient exploration—it’s a journey through time that connects us to the spiritual, cultural, and practical significance of Fermanagh’s sacred wells. by uncovering these hidden stories, George has not only preserved a vital part of the county’s heritage but also inspired a renewed appreciation for the mysteries of the past.

For anyone visiting Fermanagh,the “Well Well Well” tour is a must-experience,offering a unique blend of history,folklore,and natural beauty.

To learn more about the “well Well Well” tour and other heritage projects, visit Archyde.com.