Struell Wells, Holy wells archaeological site near Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.
Struell Wells is an archaeological site with four stone-built wells and bathhouses located in a secluded valley near Downpatrick. A fast-flowing stream runs partially underground through the complex, creating a natural water system that serves the separate facilities for men and women, along with the remains of an unfinished church.
The wells predate Saint Patrick's era, though the first documented reference appeared in 1306. The structures visible today date from around 1600, showing how the site evolved and was formalized over centuries.
Pilgrims traditionally gathered at the wells on Saint John's Eve and the Friday before Lammas, seeking physical and spiritual healing. The site became a place where visitors performed specific rituals at different wells, each associated with different parts of the body.
The site is maintained by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and offers free public access. The valley terrain can be damp, so sturdy footwear is advisable when walking through the grounds.
The site features specialized wells including the Mother Well for drinking and an eye well, each used for different healing purposes. This distinction between wells reveals a detailed system of healing beliefs that developed at this location.
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