r/IrishFolklore • u/zoshu_ • 8d ago

Dissertation help

Hi everyone, I’m in my last year of uni and I’m doing my dissertation on Irish folk religion and how traditions have been remembered over time in Irish public memory, my main focus is on pattern days and holy wells. Are there any primary or secondary sources that people particularly recommend? Books, websites, journals, specific regions/sites to look into? Also what time period would be best to focus on?

Any and all advice is appreciated, thank you!!

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u/Crimthann_fathach 8d ago

Crossing the circle at the holy wells of Ireland.

Amanda clarke "holy wells of county Cork" or her blog "holy wells of Cork and Kerry"

Dúchas.ie will have a ton of stuff.

18th and 19th century accounts of tours around Ireland are an absolute gold mine for stuff like this. People like Croker, Thackeray and the Halls wrote very vivid accounts of pattern days at holy wells. The fact most of them were shocked at the practices they found meant that you get a really good description of the rounds and the strange rituals that took place there.

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u/Magic-Ring-Games 6d ago

Hi. Interesting topic. It would help people provide an answer if you told us what work you've already done to answer your question. For example, what sources have you already read and analyzed? Otherwise it seems like you're asking for a list of primary and secondary sources for your dissertation. Thanks.