St. Brigid is one of the three patron saints of Ireland, and has dozens of holy wells dedicated to her throughout the island. Echoes of the Goddess Brigid are heard in the Saint’s stories, and some of the wells, like this one, has a wish tree, or a clootie tree, nearby. The well itself has a statue with Brigit holding a flame, as she is dedicated to fire, the hearth, poetry and smithcrafting. The tree is nearby, and folk tie a piece of cloth, and make a wish. As the cloth deteriorates, the wish is released into the air.
Nearby you can visit the National Stud Farm and the Japanese Gardens, which makes for a lovely afternoon of wandering. Kildare is only a short drive from Dublin, and would make a nice day trip from the city.
- Carl McColman: Brigid’s Well
- Thin Place: Kildare and St. Brigid of Ireland
- GoIreland/About.com: St Brigid’s Well
Brigids Well Kildare – Photo by Christy Nicholas 
St Brigids Well – Photo by Corey Taratuta 
Prayer cloths tied to a tree at St Brigids Well – Photo by Corey Taratuta
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Written by Christy Nicholas
Christy is an artist, accountant and traveler with a love for Ireland and hopes to move there someday. A variety of her artwork and travel reports are available at www.greendragonartist.com. Christy’s Tips | Website
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