St Ita’s Well at Faithlegg is a regular stop on any walks we do at Faithlegg. But it begs several questions; who was she, why a well and why at Faithlegg.

St Ita’s Well, Faithlegg. Image courtesy of Tomás Sullivan
Forgotten Lady
They say no one remembers the runner-up, and St Ita must be a classic example. Often referred to as the “Brigid of Munster,” she holds a prominent place among Irish female saints, but in the shadow of St Brigid of Kildare. While Brigid’s life is widely celebrated and even taught in the national school curriculum, Ita has been largely overlooked. Beyond places with a direct connection to her, she has been almost forgotten.
Up until the early 20th century, an annual pattern was observed at St Ita’s Well on her feast day, 15th January. The well itself was a simple hollow in the ground, surrounded by rocks, one of which bore a small recess said to be the footprint of the infant Jesus. As children, we could visit it by hopping over the wall below the church, although it was often trampled by grazing cattle—the land was then owned by the De La Salle order. During the development of houses and the golf course by McInerney Construction, local efforts ensured the site was preserved, leading to its current, more “romanticised” appearance.
But who was this early Christian saint associated with Faithlegg?
St Ita: Her Story and Legacy
Numerous accounts of St Ita can be found online, and a book titled St Ita, The Forgotten Princess by James Dunphy, provides fascinating insights, especially about her connection to the Déise. Dunphy introduces his account with a disclaimer:
“I am not suggesting to anyone that this is all proven fact, but I offer it to those of an open mind as a representation of the life of St Ita.” (p. 4)
Dunphy and other sources suggest Ita was born Princess Deirdre to King Kennoelad and Queen Necta of the Déise tribe in Waterford, around 470 AD (though dates vary). Her birthplace is uncertain but speculated to be near Ballyduff, Kilmeaden – Faithlegg is regularly suggested too. Her royal heritage made her a sought-after young woman, but her heart lay with the new Christian faith brought by St Patrick and promoted by another Déise saint, St Declan of Ardmore. At some point, she changed her name to Ita, meaning “Thirst for God.”
According to Mossy Hunt’s history of the parish church of Clonea, St Ita is commemorated in several Déise placenames, including Kilmeaden (Cill Mo Íde ín, “Church of my little Ita”), Kilbarrymeaden (Cill Barra Mo Íde ín, “Church of my little Ita’s height”), and Ita’s Well near Kilmurrin and Boatstrand.
St Ita’s Journey
Sources say that St Ita travelled extensively throughout the Déise region, spending time in Ardmore, Clashmore, and Lismore. Eventually, she settled in Killeedy (Church of Ita), East Limerick. There she established a monastery and a school that educated many early church figures. Ita earned the title “Foster Mother of the Saints of Erin”. One of her students was St Brendan the Navigator. It is claimed that her early upbringing amongst Déise fishermen, influenced Brendan, and provided his navigation skills.
Her legacy is preserved in numerous images, statues, stained glass windows, convents, churches, schools, and hospitals, particularly in the west of Ireland. Her name, once common, is less so today. But it’s a beautiful name and has other less obvious offshoots such as our neighbour – Mieda (“My Little Ita”).
Faithlegg’s Connection – St Ita’s Well

St Ita – Google images
The connection between St Ita and Faithlegg remains somewhat puzzling. While some sources claim she was born here, it’s not supported by local oral tradition. A plaque at the holy well, written by the eminent historian Julian Walton, suggests her name may have been used by the Déise as a territorial marker in the early Christian period. Intriguing to say the least.
It’s a popular walk as part of Faithlegg House Hotel and Walk Waterford. We have our own guide too
St Ita died on 15th January (570 possibly). The date which became her feast day.
One of the enduring mysteries about the well is that on the OSI maps it is named Tobar Sionnach – the Foxes Well. This links clearly with the old traditions, the Celts had a reverence for the animals of Ireland and tended to honour them in such ways. The mapmakers were noted for their observation of placenames and the recording of such. St Ita doesn’t seem to have featured when they visited Faithlegg…I have theories of why, but nothing concrete. Yet.
Please consider sharing the story with a friend. Any feedback can be left in the comment section below. Thank you for reading.
Dunphy. J. St Ita, The Forgotten Princess. 2006. Trafford Publishing.
Hunt. M. A history of the Church of Saints Coan and Brogán Clonea Power. 2010
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