Struell Wells and Struell Springs, Down Patrick, Ireland

## Overview Struell Wells is a remarkable holy well complex nestled in a quiet, secluded valley just southeast of Downpatrick in County Down, Northern Ireland. Comprising four distinct wells — the Drinking Well, the Eye Well, and two bathhouses (one for men and one for women) — this ancient site has drawn pilgrims and visitors for centuries. The wells are fed by underground channels that rise naturally through the bedrock, and the site is strongly associated with Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. According to tradition, St. Patrick walked from nearby Saul to bathe in the waters of Struell, spending much of the night immersed while singing psalms and spiritual songs. The wells are widely believed to represent the legendary fountain known as "Slan" (meaning "health" or "healing"), which is referenced in Saint Fiacc's fifth-century hymn about St. Patrick — one of the earliest written accounts of the saint's life. Before their Christian association, the wells were likely venerated as pagan worship sites, making Struell a place of spiritual significance stretching back into pre-Christian Ireland. The oldest known written reference to Struell Wells dates to 1306, though no structures at the site are believed to have survived from before around 1600. The ruins visible today include a small chapel dedicated to Saint Patrick and the stone-built bathhouses, which are remarkably well preserved. Once renowned throughout Europe for their reputed healing properties, the wells attracted hundreds of pilgrims each year, particularly on the Friday before Lammas (August 1st) — Lammas Day, or "Loaf Mass Day," the festival celebrating the first wheat harvest of the season. Midsummer's Eve was another traditional time of pilgrimage. To this day, Struell Wells continues to attract visitors seeking cures and spiritual renewal. The water from the Drinking Well has historically been consumed by pilgrims and is traditionally reputed to have healing qualities, while the Eye Well was specifically associated with curing ailments of the eyes. The site is managed as a state care monument by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. ## Directions 1. From the centre of Downpatrick, head southeast on the B1 (Strangford Road) toward Strangford. 2. After approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km), look for a signposted left turn for Struell Wells. 3. Follow the narrow country lane downhill into the valley for roughly half a mile. 4. The site is located at the end of the lane, with a small car park and interpretive signage at the entrance. The GPS coordinates are **54.32882, -5.71573**, which should bring you directly to the site. ## What to Expect Struell Wells sits in a peaceful, grassy valley surrounded by gentle hills and farmland — a remarkably tranquil spot that feels removed from the modern world. Upon arrival, you'll find the ruins of the old chapel dedicated to St. Patrick, the two stone bathhouses (rectangular structures with barrel-vaulted roofs), the Drinking Well, and the Eye Well. Interpretive panels at the site explain the history and layout. The Drinking Well is a small, stone-lined basin where water rises from an underground source. Pilgrims have historically reported the water to be clean and refreshing, though as with any natural water source, its quality cannot be guaranteed. The Eye Well is a separate, smaller basin nearby. The bathhouses, though no longer in active use, are fascinating to explore and give a vivid sense of how pilgrims once immersed themselves in the waters. The site is open year-round and free to visit. The ground can be uneven and damp, so sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain. There are no facilities on-site. The valley is particularly atmospheric in the early morning or at dusk, and the site is rarely crowded, making it an ideal stop for those interested in early Christian heritage, holy wells, or the story of St. Patrick in Ireland.