Kingstone-Grainne-Hag's Well, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland

## Overview Kingstone-Grainne-Hag's Well is a revered holy well nestled in the rolling countryside near Ballymote in County Sligo, Ireland. Like many holy wells across Ireland, this spring carries deep cultural and spiritual significance — its name evokes connections to Gráinne, a figure from Irish mythology often associated with love, sovereignty, and the land, as well as the "Hag" or Cailleach, a powerful archetype in Celtic tradition linked to the cycles of nature and the guardianship of sacred waters. The spring produces beautifully clear water throughout the year and has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean and fresh in all seasons. Situated roughly 1 km east of the village of Keash — itself famous for the Keash Caves (Caves of Kesh), a series of limestone caverns steeped in legend — this holy well sits in a landscape rich with ancient heritage. A magnificent ancient ash tree stands beside the well, offering welcome shade and a peaceful spot to sit and reflect. In Irish folklore, ash trees (known as *fuinseog* in Irish) were considered one of the sacred "chieftain trees" and were often found growing beside holy wells, believed to be guardians of the water's spiritual power. The combination of the sacred spring, the ancient tree, and the quiet countryside setting creates an atmosphere that many visitors describe as deeply tranquil — a place where, as local tradition holds, the fae and nature spirits are said to dwell. ## Directions 1. From Ballymote, head northwest toward the village of **Keash** (approximately 10 km along the N17/R295). 2. From Keash village, travel approximately **1 km east** along the country road. 3. Look for a **visitor parking area** on the roadside. 4. From the parking area, continue walking up the country road on foot until you reach a **gate**. 5. Pass through the gate to access the holy well and the ancient ash tree beside it. **GPS Coordinates:** 54.041136, -8.426015 — useful for navigation apps if signage is limited on the rural roads. ## What to Expect This is a quiet, rural holy well typical of the Irish countryside — don't expect formal facilities or signage. The spring flows year-round with clear water, and the surrounding area is green, peaceful, and largely unspoiled. The ancient ash tree near the well provides a natural canopy and a lovely place to rest. The approach involves a short walk along a country road from the parking area to a gate, beyond which the well is located. Wear sturdy footwear, as the ground can be soft and uneven, particularly after rain. The area is open and exposed to Atlantic weather, so layering up is wise in cooler months. As with all holy wells in Ireland, visitors are encouraged to treat the site with respect — these places remain spiritually significant to many people. You may notice small offerings, ribbons, or tokens left by previous visitors, a tradition known as "rag tree" devotion that has been practiced at Irish holy wells for centuries. The nearby village of Keash and the spectacular Keash Caves are well worth a visit if you're in the area, making this an excellent stop on a broader exploration of County Sligo's rich archaeological and mythological landscape.