Mulhuddart

Our Lady's Well

Holy wells are more often than not sacred pagan springs that have been christianized. Usually they were given the name of a local saint. The well at Mulhuddart came to prominence during norman times and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The well house was erected in the early 18th century by nuns from a Dublin convent. During that century huge crowds used to amass here on the 8th September (Ladys Day), the feast of the birth of the Virgin Mary. They came from all over north County Dublin hoping to get a cure for sprains or rheumatism.

Like most festivals around this time alcohol was sold and drunkenness and fighting became common. The parish priest at Blanchardstown tried to ban the sale of alcohol from the many tents erected at the holy well. In 1760 it was reported that Edward Campbell, a gentleman's servant, died from wounds received after a fight at Lady's Well.