Tramore Hidden History
The Haunted Well
The story of Mary Hoolihan a local woman who was found dead at the well on 6th July 1901 is well known. She went to the well that night to fetch some water for use the next morning. It was believed that there was a bright moon shining. When she bent down to take the water from the well, she seen the reflection of the spirits that haunted the well in the water. She died of fright.
Who were the spirits that she encountered?
The well is situated in Lady Elizabeth’s Cove. It was the main water source for all the cottages in the Cove. The Cove was inhabited by fishermen and their families. When a dead body was recovered from Tramore Bay, the fishermen would bring it ashore to the Cove and store the body in the boat house overnight. It was believed that the spirits of those recovered would gather at the well late at night.
Did Mary Hoolihan really encounter the spirits?
The inquest held on 8th July 1901 states the cause of death was Accidental Suffocation due to a weakness as she fell face down into the basin of the well. If you are brave enough, take a late-night stroll to the well and find out if the spirits are still about.
History by Paul Brent
