I’d call it true asceticism too! Even in the semi-heated places I’ve stayed in Ireland, the wind and storms are still harsh. I’m vicariously enjoying this tour of the Holy Wells of Ireland. Thank you.
Ha semi heated places is correct. I used to study in a sleeping bag with one bar of the two bar electric heater on. I realized why Dublin was full of travel agents with offers for the Canary Islands. The stone structures in west Kerry are incredible….how could they do it?
“Beneath the surface, there is always something going on that you don’t expect. You can’t prepare for it. You just have to arrive, and see what you are offered”
This is a beautiful way to approach each day, each other, and the spiritual adventure we are all on.
Such a magnificent series. There is a beauty and majesty and holiness in the old places treasured by our noble forefathers that cannot be uglified by the American demon. Re-discovering these old places, and their purposes, is one of the most important things we can do.
And I am in awe of the ascetic feat of winter in the skellig desert. The very thought of it makes me shiver, son of the Deep South that I am.
The laconic young school historians are a treasure. ... that brawling instinct and its traditions ... a quick curse can be handy at times.
Takes a while for Jesus and/or his mother to bring us back to something like the point though.
Good to see Skellig Michael again. I remember finding a report online from young American archaeologist climbers in the 70s marvelling at another example of the extreme ascetic: the dry-stone 'garden' built higher up the rock, the builders apparently 'kneeling on clouds'. Decades ago I heard an early morning BBC radio clip of a man returning from some work on the Skelligs telling how strange it seemed, but if he had been told he should remain there, that would have been fine. History resurfaces in curious ways I guess.
I am wondering if there is a reader, or Paul yourself, that can assist. I am a regular reader of these postings. My sister and I are planning a "heritage" trip to Europe, ending our time in Dublin, June 2 - 6. Would someone have suggestion about how to visit one of the sacred wells as a day trip from Dublin (on public transportation). Both of us travelers would love to do so. Thanks.
"Beneath the surface, there is always something going on that you don’t expect. You can’t prepare for it. You just have to arrive, and see what you are offered."
Appropriate that there is a statue of Christ there. For beneath His surface there is always something going on that we don't expect. And we just have to arrive and see what we're offered. As the resurrected Christ asked, "What do you seek here?" Certainly not what they (or we) sought.
I suspect (and hope) that your “holding up” of these sites will cause something of a regeneration of them. Perhaps to even to found some new ones in other countries as well.
There is a natural spring that forms a well on a hillside near me, accessible only by a significant hike. You have to be a local to know about it. Some kind soul cares for it and has hung a pewter ladle on a nearby tree to facilitate the visitor to drink from it cleanly. I dared to do so, and it was some of the sweetest water I’ve ever tasted.
It already has a “thin” feeling there. Need more be done? I suspect not. Beauty speaks to those who will hear it.
Thank you for your beautiful spiritual reflections on the holy well and finding what ‘you don’t expect’ - as is often the case on the spiritual journey.
Another story that makes my week better! And when I saw the green path I thought of the Green Knight. And then the beehive asceticism. Very much appreciate Mr. Kingsworth’s storytelling that gives me pause to deeply think.
I’d call it true asceticism too! Even in the semi-heated places I’ve stayed in Ireland, the wind and storms are still harsh. I’m vicariously enjoying this tour of the Holy Wells of Ireland. Thank you.
Ha semi heated places is correct. I used to study in a sleeping bag with one bar of the two bar electric heater on. I realized why Dublin was full of travel agents with offers for the Canary Islands. The stone structures in west Kerry are incredible….how could they do it?
A pleasant reprieve from the previous well it is.
“Beneath the surface, there is always something going on that you don’t expect. You can’t prepare for it. You just have to arrive, and see what you are offered”
This is a beautiful way to approach each day, each other, and the spiritual adventure we are all on.
Thank you Paul
Such a magnificent series. There is a beauty and majesty and holiness in the old places treasured by our noble forefathers that cannot be uglified by the American demon. Re-discovering these old places, and their purposes, is one of the most important things we can do.
And I am in awe of the ascetic feat of winter in the skellig desert. The very thought of it makes me shiver, son of the Deep South that I am.
Just once I hope you catch sight of one of these enchanted trout or eels said to abide in the wells!
The laconic young school historians are a treasure. ... that brawling instinct and its traditions ... a quick curse can be handy at times.
Takes a while for Jesus and/or his mother to bring us back to something like the point though.
Good to see Skellig Michael again. I remember finding a report online from young American archaeologist climbers in the 70s marvelling at another example of the extreme ascetic: the dry-stone 'garden' built higher up the rock, the builders apparently 'kneeling on clouds'. Decades ago I heard an early morning BBC radio clip of a man returning from some work on the Skelligs telling how strange it seemed, but if he had been told he should remain there, that would have been fine. History resurfaces in curious ways I guess.
…arrive and see what you are offered. Lovely.
Lovely. I grew up near the decidedly untended Trinity River in Texas.
Sunday, pre-dawn here on the Olympic Peninsula. Thank you for this moment of meditative bliss.
Reminds me of Genesis 1: “…and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
I am wondering if there is a reader, or Paul yourself, that can assist. I am a regular reader of these postings. My sister and I are planning a "heritage" trip to Europe, ending our time in Dublin, June 2 - 6. Would someone have suggestion about how to visit one of the sacred wells as a day trip from Dublin (on public transportation). Both of us travelers would love to do so. Thanks.
I've no idea of how to get to them, but this site lists the wells in County Dublin with descriptions of how to find them in the locality:
https://ihwcbc.omeka.net/exhibits/show/countydublin/countydublin
Happy travelling!
"Beneath the surface, there is always something going on that you don’t expect. You can’t prepare for it. You just have to arrive, and see what you are offered."
Appropriate that there is a statue of Christ there. For beneath His surface there is always something going on that we don't expect. And we just have to arrive and see what we're offered. As the resurrected Christ asked, "What do you seek here?" Certainly not what they (or we) sought.
I suspect (and hope) that your “holding up” of these sites will cause something of a regeneration of them. Perhaps to even to found some new ones in other countries as well.
There is a natural spring that forms a well on a hillside near me, accessible only by a significant hike. You have to be a local to know about it. Some kind soul cares for it and has hung a pewter ladle on a nearby tree to facilitate the visitor to drink from it cleanly. I dared to do so, and it was some of the sweetest water I’ve ever tasted.
It already has a “thin” feeling there. Need more be done? I suspect not. Beauty speaks to those who will hear it.
Thank you for your beautiful spiritual reflections on the holy well and finding what ‘you don’t expect’ - as is often the case on the spiritual journey.
Peace
kh
Beautiful writing. I appreciate your commitment to this research, and thank you for sharing it with us.
Another story that makes my week better! And when I saw the green path I thought of the Green Knight. And then the beehive asceticism. Very much appreciate Mr. Kingsworth’s storytelling that gives me pause to deeply think.