Ardnacraa well, Co Clare

The Follies Trust completed the conservation of this small well-house close to Liscannor in 2016. This Protected Structure was erected in the mid nineteenth century over a spa well, known locally as the Relievers’ well. It was one of the building enterprises of Cornelius O’Brien – above the door is the O’Brien crest.
To find out more about the building projects of Cornelius O’Brien (c.1780-1857) see www.historyireland.com and look up Cornelius O’Brien and the Cliffs of Moher.

Until work was undertaken in June 2016 by SPAB Fellow and local stonemason, Eoin Madigan, the structure was defaced by vegetation as can be seen in the before photographs. The ground around the well house was cleared by Eoin, stonework repaired and the joints filled with locally sourced lime mortar.
On their visit to County Clare on 11 June Follies Trust were able to see the work they commissioned in progress and to meet Eoin (see Events 2016).

The Follies Trust not only conserved the well house at Ardnacraa, Liscannor, they also had a replica gate made for the opening. This was installed in January 2017 and it looks amazing. Another good project undertaken by the Follies Trust.

Before work started:

After completion of work: