Healing Waters

Ronan Foley is a lecturer in Geography at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland

• List of Figures and Tables, List of Boxes, Preface, Acknowledgements, 1 I ntroduction, 2 Holy Wells: The Faith Cure, 3 Spa Towns: The Rest Cure, 4 Turkish Baths and Sweat-houses: The Sweating Cure, 5 Sea Bathing: The Thalassic Cure, 6 The Modern Spa: The Relaxation Cure, 7 Conclusion, Glossary, Bibliography, Index

'Healing Waters is a wonderful exploration of the connections between water, place and health. In his examination of holy wells, spa towns, Turkish baths, sea bathing and modern spas, Ronan Foley blends careful observation, lyrical prose and scholarly insight. This book is a pleasure to read, and a major new contribution to the literature on therapeutic landscapes.' David Conradson, University of Canterbury, New Zealand 'This important book takes readers to Ireland’s watering-places, immersing them in diverse insights. Drawing on a lesser considered aspect of the water-health linkage, Ronan Foley delves deeply into the therapeutic and healing potential of exposure to this valuable resource. In doing so, he advances use of the therapeutic landscapes concept by offering a rich case study that has global relevance.' Valorie A. Crooks, Simon Fraser University, Canada