Island Pilgrimage: Holy Wells, Cures & Curses

Dig into the Story of Inishbofin and Inishark in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 39 with Tommy Burke and Dr Ryan Lash

Island Pilgrimage: Holy Wells, Cures & Curses

Dig into the Story of Inishbofin and Inishark in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 39 with Tommy Burke and Dr Ryan Lash

In this fascinating discussion with Tommy Burke and Dr Ryan Lash we discuss aspects of pilgrimage, faith and folklore on Inishbofin and Inishark.

The islands of Inishbofin and Inishark lie off the western coast of County Galway. They are beautiful places, though the breathtaking scenery is imbued with many stories. One of the most celebrated stories of Inishbofin is its connection to the famous St Colmán of Lindisfarne, who established a monastery here in the seventh century. Inishark is connected to the more enigmatic St Leo, and both islands have a long tradition of pilgrimage that centres around the early monastic remains found there. Though they may have began in the early medieval period, these pilgrimage traditions have adapted over the centuries, right up to the twentieth century, creating a blend of continuity and change with each generation of islanders.

This discussion with Tommy Burke and Dr Ryan Lash, looks at some of the key features of the pilgrimage landscape of the islands, and we hear about the discoveries of the research excavations that have taken place in recent years. We discuss holy wells and their origins, and folk belief around cures and curses. We also hear about the skulls taken in the 19th century from St Colmán’s Monastery, and the efforts by the local community and others in helping to secure their return after more than a century. From cures, curses, wells and wonders, this is a wide ranging chat, I hope you enjoy the episode!

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