Ireland’s holy wells are sacred places steeped in long held traditions and customs. Holy wells hold an important place in Ireland’s cultural heritage and religious tradition, offering visitors a peaceful place for personal devotion, prayer and healing. Some holy wells may have their origins in prehistory, however they are largely associated with Christian devotions from the medieval period (5th-16th centuries AD) onwards, being well established by the 17th century and declining in use by the mid-19th century.