Ian Middleton

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Trinity Well, in the grounds of Newberry House, near the village of Carbury, County Kildare, Ireland. Trinity Well, known in ancient Irish legend as the Well of Sergais, is the source of the magical River Boyne. The birth of the River Boyne has its roots in an ancient legend known as the Well of Sergais. It’s said that a long time ago when the Gods walked the earth there was a well shaded by magical hazel trees bearing crimson nuts. It was believed that whoever should eat these nuts would be graced with the knowledge of the world. The nuts fell off the trees and into the well, and were eaten by one of the vividly coloured salmon who swam there. For this reason, it became known as the salmon of knowledge. This well was owned by the God Nechtain, who was very possessive of the well. Only he and his three cup bearers were allowed anywhere near it. But one day his wife, referred to as Boann or Boínn (meaning she who has white cows; white cows were considered cows of the otherworld), was overcome with curiosity one day and went to the well without Nechtain’s permission or knowledge. There are various stories as to what she did there, but whatever it was resulted in the well overflowing and gushing forth onto the surrounding countryside and forming the Boyne Valley. Legend says the Boann inhabits the Fairy Mound where Newberry House now stands. It's here that the legendary Irish Giant, Celtic warrior and leader of the Fianna, ate the Salmon of Knowledge and gained the wisdom and power that enabled him to regain his rightful place as leader of teh Fianna and go on to become Ireland's greatest warrior and protector. The well was since christianised and is now known as Trinity Well. Every year the local priest peforms the annual Rosary the first Sunday in June.

Ireland Articles

The Well of Sergais – The Boyne Valley in Ireland Part 2

The birth of the River Boyne has its roots in an ancient legend known as the Well of Sergais. In this article I tell you all about it.

Iron age rath at the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland. Tara was once the ancient capital of Ireland, from where the high king ruled over the country. The upright stone you see on the mound is the Lia Fail (stone of destiny). According to Celtic legend the Lia Fail was used during the coronation of the high king, and was believe to emit a roar when the true high king touched it. (I tried but there was no sound, so I crossed being high king of Ireland off my list of potential destinies).

Folklore

The Hill of Tara – The Boyne Valley in Ireland Part 1

The Hill of Tara in the heart of County Meath in ireland, is a fascinating place to visit at any time of they year. Read my article to learn about it.

Slovenia

Hiking with kids to the church of Saint Jacob

Had anyone told me 20 years ago that one day I would be hiking with kids up to hilltop churches in Slovenia, I would have scoffed at the idea. But little was I to know what the future would hold…

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Ian Middleton

Writer - Photographer - Teacher

Content creator - web Design - SEO - SEM

Latest Articles

The Well of Sergais – The Boyne Valley in Ireland Part 2

The Hill of Tara – The Boyne Valley in Ireland Part 1

Hiking with kids to the church of Saint Jacob

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