GCNT01 Connlas Well

Connlas Well (or Tobar Connla) is one of a number of wells in the Irish "Celtic Otherworld". is a legendary fountain of knowledge in Irish mythology, located in the Otherworld (Tír na nÓg). Surrounded by nine magical hazel trees, it is the source of the River Shannon and four other major rivers, featuring salmon that consume hazel nuts to represent wisdom and poetic inspiration. The Celts were conscious of the magic and enchantment of the natural world and edges of forests, sacred groves and flowing rivers held great fascination and were seen as interfaces between the material and supernatural worlds: Doors to an unseen world that was very close and blessed with healing powers. popular shrines were deemed to be under the care of a local guardian spirit whose worshippers would perform daily rituals. The Celts and Druids, held trees very sacred especially the Oak and was an important symbol in their religion. They believed that the Oak represented the World Tree, which ties all three worlds together. Its highest branches reach into the Upper world, their trunks lived in the Earth world and below its roots were a passageway into the Underworld. The Druids also revered the Oak as a steadfast and hearty tree that represented the immortal soul.