Last week on the 25th of June I attended an event at St Patrick’s holy well at Marlfield Clonmel.  This is one of my favour holy wells and it has a rich history which I have discussed in a previous post.

St Patrick’s Holy Well Marlfield, Clonmel

The well is visited throughout the year but each Summer the people from the village of Marfield and surrounding parishes in Clonmel  town, come to the well for an annual gathering that takes the form of a mass.

This year the mass was held at 8pm and a large crowds  attended. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Cullinan, the new Bishop of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

Bishop Cullinan the new Bishop of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

People gathered in front of the old medieval church others sat around the holy well and the boundary walls.

People gathered in front of the old medieval church

The waters of the well  were bubbling forth  in the background , birds singing. Despite the crowds the site was very peaceful.

People standing around the well during mass.

The large crowds emphasized the size of the area around the well which really is quiet vast. There was a real festive feeling with lots of singing and live music.

Pilgrims at St Patrick’s holy well

I look forward to returning to the well later in the summer .