The circle and the cross: Loric and sacred space in the holy wells of Ireland

Abstract

Early texts on Ireland often refer to the sacrality of Ireland as a place. Rufus Festus Avienus, a Roman author of the early third century, refers to Ireland as “Insula Sacra” and writes: “This Isle is Sacred named by all the ancients, from times remotest in the womb of Chronos…”1 Ireland contains within herself intrinsically a mystery and power which are manifested specifically in her geographical features.2 Rivers such as the Boyne and Shannon, hills such as Tara and Uisnech, caves such as the Cave of Cruachan and St. Patrick’s Purgatory — all are bearers of particular powers inherent in their geography.