3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is nestled in a hillside. A large yellow cross marks the spot and a silver statue on a plinth depicting Archangel Michael wrestling with Satan.
4 Cure
sore eyes
5 Pattern day
September 29
6 Offerings
buttons and coins
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Every person says different prayers, but at an outer circle of stones, most pray "The Creed" and five" Our Fathers," five "Hail Marys" and five "Glorias." These are recited while circumambulating the well. With every Gloria they pick up a stone and drop it down again after completion of the set with their right hand. When they are coming home they always leave something after them. Some people leave a button after them. They toss the button in the air and if it comes down with a chosen side turned up, the person will have good luck, but if it comes down with the wrong side, the person will have bad luck. (Amanda Clarke)
8 Stories
Long ago on Michaelmas Day everyone turned towards the holy well, like a Fair day or a day at the Regatta at present. The people used to put up stalls and sell oranges and apples and wine, whiskey and porter and there used to be wrestling. They used to have dances and concerts and plays near the well. Known as the “holy stone” or “Godstone.” (Amanda Clarke).
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 31, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Ronan, S., Egan, U., Byrne, E., Farrelly, J., Manning, C., Moore, F., . . . Walsh, P. (n.d.). Archaeological Inventory of County Cork (Vol. 5). Dublin: The Stationary Office.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
According to Amanda Clarke’s Blog, the well is hidden but still very much revered. It is a secret, but powerful place only known to those it matters to. A horseshoe of mossy stones curves around the well. A lintel slab lays on top of the stone and is covered in many offerings. There is also a slab in front of the well which allows access to the water adjacent to the well. Crosses are etched onto the lintel stone and the mossy side stones. Behind the well is a large amount of stones that were possibly left by pilgrims as part of rounds. The well is somewhat neglected, but it is still visited by elder locals in the towns of Magoola, Agharinagh and Dromgouna.
4 Cure
The well is said to have cured lameness in many cripples.
6 Offerings
Holy water bottles, statues, figurines, candles, a crucifix bearing an elongated and emaciated Jesus were left as offerings on the stones surrounding the well.
8 Stories
The Schools’ Folklore Collection provided many stories about this well in Amanda Clarke’s blog. “There are many stories connected with this spot one of which was about an old man from Dromgouna whose name was Paddy Sullivan. He thought he was called one night to plant a tree alongside the well so that people could hang their offerings on the branches. He rose next morning and planted the tree which can still be seen growing there. It is said that Mass was celebrated there in Penal Times. It is now known by the name of Sundays’ Well and people still visit it on a Sunday to pray. (0348:177)
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 4th, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
The Schools’ Folklore Collection. Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 4th, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Skour Well, Tobar na Sceabhrach. Dedicated to St. Ina.
2 Townland, County, GPS
Garranecore, Cork County
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
According to Amanda Clarke, this well is just a short walk north from Tobarín na Súl and is tucked away on the side of the small road. The water comes out from the land at ground level and is fresh and clear. Behind the well is a u-shaped stone well house, with a small niche full of votive offering and statues. The water seeps out of the shallow basin onto the white stone-covered foreground. The well is renowned for its healing qualities. It is also said that the water will never boil. Many of the statutes are to the Blessed Virgin Mary, but the well is dedicated to St Ina who has given her name to Lough Hyne. Behind this is a rag tree which is adorned with ribbons of many colors. Tobarín na Súl suffered badly during Storm Ophelia when hundreds of trees were flattened in the woods. The well still survives but is currently covered. (January 2018)
4 Cure
The well is known for its general healing qualities.
5 Pattern day
May Eve (April, 30th)
6 Offerings
Many different statues left here of the BVM and a rag tree is adorned with ribbons of many colors.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Originally the rounds were held on May Eve (30th April), the start of the ancient festival of Bealtine. It would have followed a set path, probably also taking in Tobarín nal Súl. The pattern day eventually stopped, but now an open-air Mass is held here every May Eve.
8 Stories
Amanda Clarke’s Blog provides a story form a local: “Terri Kearney, who interviewed many residents of Lough Hyne for her book Lough Hyne; from Prehistory to the Present, remembers one man telling her how amused locals were to see a family camped near the well and on taking water from the well being flummoxed as to why it wouldn’t boil! Terri’s father was a great believer in the powers of the well and he firmly asserted that water would not boil. Her mother was of a more skeptical nature and decided to play a trick! On Terri’s Confirmation Day the family went to Lough Hyne as was traditional. Her mother took some water from the well and took it back home where she boiled the water and made tea for her father. On asking how the tea was her father replied that it was a grand cup of tea altogether. Her mother revealed what she had done and he spat it across the kitchen! Living dangerously all round!”
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 4th, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Abbey Well, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
This well has other names including Friary Well, Tobar na Mainistreache, and Lady’s Well
2 Townland, County, GPS
Abbey-Lands, County Cork
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the end of an alleyway. It is marked by a sign that gives the history of the well. It has a semicircular wall of stonesaround it with shelves that may have been intended for offerings (see Amanda Clarke)
4 Cure
There is no one cure associated with this well, but it was thought to be especially effective in curing Leprosy. (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/11/03/two-kinsale-wells/)
5 Pattern day
The 15th of August
8 Stories
Amanda Clarke reports “The well is still dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and it seems that she has even made a brief appearance here. Cait Ni Síoccáin collected this story in 1937 as part of the Schools’ Folklore Collection: … The story is told how a man went for some water at twelve o clock one night. When he got to the centre of the lane something stopped him, He made the sign of the cross and then found he was able to walk again. When he got to the well Our Blessed Lady appeared to him and told him that it was the spirits that stopped him on his way to the well. She also told him that these spirits wanted to frighten people and it was very dangerous to be out late at night. Thinking that she was another spirit the man blessed himself again. Our Lady told him not to fear that she was the Mother of God. She said she would protect him until he was safe in his own home. She did so and when he got home he knelt down and thanked her, then he kissed her hand and she disappeared… ( 0319:70)” (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/11/03/two-kinsale-wells/)
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 2, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Clarke, Amanda. “No title” Holy Wells of Cork, 31 OCT, 2016. https://holywellsofcork.com/img_0021-2/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
A path from the top of a hill overlooking Squince Harbor can be followed down to the well. The well is carved in to the hillside and surrounded by stone slabs including one shielding it from the plants and dirt of the hill and some others in front of it meant to be kneeled on. It is said that the well once belonged on Rabbit Island but when the residence stopped paying homage to it, it left and appeared in Squince Harbour where it is still visited. (see Power, Denis (1998) and Amanda Clarke's Blog.
4 Cure
There is no specific cure attributed to the well.
5 Pattern day
The 1st of February
6 Offerings
Offerings are left on stone slabs around the well. Small statues, coins, and pebbles are common offerings at this well. (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com//2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/)
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 2, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Clarke, Amanda. “No title” Holy Wells of Cork, 18 Apr, 2016. https://holywellsofcork.com/img_3996/
Power, Denis. 1998. Archeological inventory of County Cork volume 1: West Cork; comprising the Baronies of Bear, Bantry, West Carbery (east & west), East Carbery (east & west), Ibane & Barryroe and Kinalmeaky. Stationery Office. PP 280.
St Berrihert’s Well
This well is dedicated to St Berrihert but, according to Amanda Clark, the Blessed Virgin Mary may be the patron. (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/11/18/roving-around-kilmichael/)
2 Townland, County, GPS
Sleveen East, County Cork
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is set back from a busy road, a white metal gate with the blue letters BVM (for Blessed Virgin Mary) marks where to enter to find the path to the well. “The wellhouse is an unusual structure . An arched stone building protects the well, whilst above it a rectangular building made of stone and bricks sits on top, complete with niche and glass-protected statue of the BVM.” The well itself is a semicircle and has slabs of stone placed around it where offerings are left. Plaques are placed near the well with information for the visitor to read. (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/11/18/roving-around-kilmichael/)
4 Cure
This well has no specific cure.
5 Pattern day
8th of September, the rosary is said here on that date
6 Offerings
Offerings such as candles and small statues are left at the well.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
“Rounds are traditionally made on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday” (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/11/18/roving-around-kilmichael/)
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 2, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Clarke, Amanda. “No title” Holy Wells of Cork, 18 Nov, 2016. https://i2.wp.com/holywellsofcork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/20161026-img_0410161026.jpg
Power, Denis. 1998. Archeological inventory of County Cork volume 3: Mid Cork; comprising the Baronies of East Muskerry, West Muskerry, and Barretts. Stationery Office. PP 328.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well is surrounded by a fence with white painted horizontal rods and sky blue vertical posts. The Stone lined well sits inside the fence and is watched over by a painted statue of Mary, serenely watching visitors. A variety of flowers are planted around her and offerings are placed in the niche beside her. Visitors can find communal mugs from which to drink the waters.
4 Cure
This well does not grant one specific cure.
5 Pattern day
The 15th of August. Mass is still celebrated here on that day as well as the 8th of December.
(Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/25/four-very-different-wells-around-timoleague/)
6 Offerings
“rosaries, medallions, cards, a photo of Padre Pio.” (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/25/four-very-different-wells-around-timoleague/)
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 2, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Clarke, Amanda. “The Circular Well” Holy Wells of Cork, 19 Feb, 2016. https://i1.wp.com/holywellsofcork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1644.jpg
Power, Denis. 1998. Archeological inventory of County Cork volume 1: West Cork; comprising the Baronies of Bear, Bantry, West Carbery (east & west), East Carbery (east & west), Ibane & Barryroe and Kinalmeaky. Stationery Office. PP 286.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
You must walk down a high walled boreen and through a pasture. You are greeted by a serene white statue of the Mary holding a rosary and standing on top of a domed, as Amanda Clark describes, beehive like wellhouse. There is a mug left at the well for visitors to use. (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/06/a-clutch-of-wells-around-castlefreke/)
4 Cure
There is no specific cure.
5 Pattern day
The 15th of August is the pattern day and mass is still celebrated yearly on that day.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Amanda Clark suggests that the boreen may have been a pilgrimage path to the well. (Clark, https://holywellsofcork.com//2016/04/06/a-clutch-of-wells-around-castlefreke/)
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed October 31, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/.
Clarke, Amanda. “No title” Holy Wells of Cork, 8 Apr, 2016. https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/06/a-clutch-of-wells-around-castlefreke/#jp-carousel-1093
Power, Denis. 1998. Archeological inventory of County Cork volume 1: West Cork; comprising the Baronies of Bear, Bantry, West Carbery (east & west), East Carbery (east & west), Ibane & Barryroe and Kinalmeaky. Stationery Office. PP 283.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well has a somewhat brief entry in the Archaeological Inventory: “Located in recess cut into bedrock. Now used for domestic purposes, has lost any religious associations.” It is situated near a bridge called St Ruadhán’s Bridge. The well is on the side of the bridge, which is under a mass of spindly birch trees that makes the area look tricky to get to. The well is enclosed in a large, modern, circular cement pipe. The water is abundant and exceptionally cold and fresh. It looks like it has been used for some sort of domestic purposes.
5 Pattern day
Feast Day is the 15th April. Traditionally, the day the cuckoo is meant to make its first call according to the source: The Dictionary of the Saints of Ireland by Pádraig Ó Riain.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
No prayer rounds are mentioned. However, the path has once been metaled and contains the hallmarks of a Mass Path.
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 4th, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is tucked into a field boundary and has a semi-circular basin full of fresh, clean water. The concave stone wall contains a slabbed shelf that is full of offerings.
4 Cure
The water is meant to be good for sore eyes and warts.
5 Pattern day
The Feast day of St Ruadhán (his name can be spelt in many different ways) is the 15th April.
6 Offerings
There are white pebbles, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a white rag hanging above the well, and a crucifix rests on stones just below the shelf.
9 Publications
Clarke, Amanda. "Gazetteer." Holy Wells of Cork. Accessed November 4th, 2018. https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Beside a stream in lush vegetation. Well access via a small bridge and gate. Well is lined and roofed with stones. A vibrant orange buoy marks it. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
eyes, stomach
5 Pattern day
3rd December
6 Offerings
"Offerings dangle from the surrounding bushes – rosaries, hankies, ribbons, tinsel and a pile of rusty coins." (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/ by Amanda Clark)
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/18/st-barrahane-st-bridget/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of Count Cork Volume 1: West Cork. Dublin: The Stationery Office, 1994. PDF. 26 OCT. 2018.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
In a wooded area out from Ballyvourney. The well is a diamond-shaped hole cut into the ground and covered with a tea tray. A collection of likely-relocated ogham stones is nearby on a mound traditionally said to be the saint's grave where votives are left. Leavings include letters, ribbons, and rosaries.
5 Pattern day
16th March
6 Offerings
Letters, ribbons, and rosaries are left at the saint's "grave."
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/13/tobar-abban-ballyvourney/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
On Amanda Clark's blog (https://holywellsofcork.com/2017/03/13/island-wells-1-whiddy-island/) she recounts that she was unable to find the well on the Island. The end of the island it is supposed to be on has a castle, possibly had a nunnery, a 16th Century tower, and what might be an ammunition store from World War One. She found many dips that may have been the well but none of them definite. It is not listed in Archeological records. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2017/03/13/island-wells-1-whiddy-island/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
general
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2017/03/13/island-wells-1-whiddy-island/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is a small basin in the bank of a river and is very overgrown. It was possibly used as part of the rounds for the celebrations at the grave belonging to Father Barnane on the 23rd June which is St. John's Eve. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/02/maulinward-holy-well/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
general
5 Pattern day
23rd June
6 Offerings
There are no offerings at the well but a wide assortment is still left at the baullaun stone near Father Barnane's grave.
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/02/maulinward-holy-well/ by Amanda Clark
photograph by Amanda Clark
Little Well of the Road, Tobereenvohir
No dedication
2 Townland, County, GPS
Callaros Oughter, Cork
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is in a box shaped opening that has been carved into the rock face of a small winding road. It is slightly overgrown and there is a plaque on it that read "Holy Well." There is also a Mass Rock nearby and another well. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/16/four-rather-obscure-wells-on-the-mizen/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
general
5 Pattern day
the pattern day was possibly June 23rd the feast day of St. Eoin (Power et al)
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/16/four-rather-obscure-wells-on-the-mizen/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of Count Cork Volume 1: West Cork. Dublin: The Stationery Office, 1994. PDF. 26 OCT. 2018.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
"This little well can be found right next to the GAA pitch on the road into Timoleague" (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/25/four-very-different-wells-around-timoleague/ by Amanda Clark). Blue and white railing surrounds the well and the niche that contains a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary built in the 1920s. She is surrounded by offerings. the well itself is encircled with a little stone wall. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/25/four-very-different-wells-around-timoleague/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
general
5 Pattern day
August 15th. Mass is still held there on the 15th of August and the 8th of December.
6 Offerings
Cards, medallions, and rosaries are the most popular. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/25/four-very-different-wells-around-timoleague/ by Amanda Clark)
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/02/25/four-very-different-wells-around-timoleague/ by Amanda Clark
photograph by Amanda Clark
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is in a dense woodland under a cliff face. The well itself is covered with a door and a piece of old corrugated metal. It still has some water that comes up in it. Nearby there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that now resets headless and covered with moss. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/12/09/an-arboreal-theme/ by Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
general
5 Pattern day
Possibly the 15th of August
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/12/09/an-arboreal-theme/ by Amanda Clark
photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of Count Cork. Dublin: The Stationery Office, 1994. PDF. 26 OCT. 2018.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is in a field between near the river Owenabue. It used to be covered by a wellhouse but now is only covered with brambles and a hawthorn tree. Amanda Clark says that the water still audibly bubbling. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2017/01/02/on-the-r631-towards-carrigaline/ Amanda Clark)
4 Cure
General
5 Pattern day
August 15th
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/gazeteer/ By Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of County Cork Volume 2: East and South Cork . Dublin: The Stationary Office, 1994. PDF. 25 OCT. 2018
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is in Bandon Town Park near the stream and very overgrown, to the point that it was invisible to Amanda Clark when she visited it without some moving aside of greenery, but she notes that it has now been cleared by Tús. It is only seven meters from a St. Bridget's Well. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/09/06/a-forgotten-quartet-off-the-r586/ by Amanda Clark). The well has a high semi circle of stones around it.
4 Cure
General
5 Pattern day
unknown
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/09/06/a-forgotten-quartet-off-the-r586/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of County Cork Volume 1: West Cork. Dublin: Stationary Office. PDF. 25 OCT. 2018.
Lady's Well, Tobar Muire dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
2 Townland, County, GPS
Ballymichael, Cork
1°50'46.2"N 8°51'55.8"W
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The way to get to the well and the well itself are very overgrown as it is no longer revered and on private farm land. Along the path you will find a ballaun stone that has a couple of quartz stones around it, Amanda Clark suggests this may have been a part of the rounds and says that she has discovered it is a penitential station. Past this you this ballaun stone you must travel a bit farther, to find the well covered with "a circular drystone structure with a corbelled roof. White quartz pebbles had been stuffed into every section – presumably left by pilgrims doing the rounds. A wooden lintel within kept the building stable. Stone slabs led to the entrance." (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/07/21/on-the-trail-of-st-finbarr/ by Amanda Clark) There is no water in the well anymore. There are two other stones near the well that Amanda Clark supposes are parts of the original rounds.
5 Pattern day
8th of September, the owner of the farm said that mass was held there a few years before Amanda Clark visited her, but that this was not at all a usual occurrence. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/07/21/on-the-trail-of-st-finbarr/ by Amanda Clark)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
There is a penitential station marked by a ballaun stone and there are two stones near the well itself that may have been part of the rounds. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/07/21/on-the-trail-of-st-finbarr/)
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/07/21/on-the-trail-of-st-finbarr/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Lady's Well, Tobairin Mhuire dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Called Tobermurry in Archeological Inventory of County Cork Volume 1: West Cork
2 Townland, County, GPS
Lisheen, Cork
51°44'39.5"N 9°24'03.6"W
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is near the Kilmocomoge graveyard in a pasture. There is a white and blue painted fence around the well and many little "niches" that hold statues of saints, rosaries, and offerings (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/03/08/tobairin-mhuire-kealkil/ by Amanda Clark). At the head of the well there is a large statue of Mary. People have left many cups lying around so that others can use them to drink from the well.
4 Cure
General
5 Pattern day
August 15th
6 Offerings
It looks like candles and rosaries are the most common offering.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Mass is still held at the well on the 15th of August.
8 Stories
In 1848 the murder of John Murphy of Droumduff was committed on the pattern day. It was due to faction fighting occurring between the Flynns and the Murphys. Fifteen people were accused of participating in the murder. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/03/08/tobairin-mhuire-kealkil/ by Amanda Clark)
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/03/08/tobairin-mhuire-kealkil/ by Amanda Clark
Photograph by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et al. Archeological Inventory of County Cork Volume 1: West Cork. Dublin: Stationary Office. PDF. 10 Oct. 2018
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well is no longer in use and is located in a pasture. It has a small stone circle around it and a collapsed metal cover. Amanda Clark says to "beware of cattle" and that one should ask permission before attempting to go find it. (https://holywellsofcork.com/2017/07/27/en-route-to-doneraile-1-dripsey/ by Amanda Clarke)
4 Cure
general
5 Pattern day
August 15th
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2017/07/27/en-route-to-doneraile-1-dripsey/ by Amanda Clarke
Photograph by Amanda Clarke
Lady's Well, Tobar na Baintighearana dedicated to Our Lady
Description of Well Item Type Metadata
1 Name of well and saint
Lady's Well, Tobar na Baintighearana dedicated to Our Lady
2 Townland, County, GPS
Creagh, Cork
Lat/Long: 51°29'43.4"N 9°21'06.4"W
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is very overgrown with tall grass. Amanda Clark tells us that it is "almost disappearing into the hillock" she also says that there is a stone slab that covers its stone lined well house. Nearby she says that there is a church that is now in ruins, and that the well itself is on private land (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/08/roaringwater-wells/). The well has no offerings at it.
4 Cure
General (https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/08/roaringwater-wells/)
5 Pattern day
August 15th
9 Publications
https://holywellsofcork.com/2016/04/08/roaringwater-wells/ by Amanda Clark
The photograph is also by Amanda Clark
Power, Denis et. al., Archeological Inventory of County Cork Volume 1. Dublin: Stationary Office. PDF. 22 OCT. 2018
Abbey's Well, dedicated to St Gobnait. The patron saint of Kilshannig is St Gobnit, but she is more commonly known as St Abby
2 Townland, County, GPS
Kilgobnet, County Cork, 46859, 49330
4 Cure
General cure
5 Pattern day
11 February. Every year on 2/11, rounds are paid to this well. It is like a national holiday for the district. Men, women, and children all turn out in their best style. In front of the well on pattern day are 2 or 3 poor women who supply glasses of water to the pilgrims and are expected to pay at least a penny each. The attendance of the pattern is getting smaller each year.
6 Offerings
Rosaries and statues at niches at entrance to the well.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The rounds are usually performed by commencing the rosary in front of the well, saying the Decade there and moving on clockwise round, saying a Decade at each station. There are stones around the well house, the words "Kneel & Pray" scratched into them.
8 Stories
The wellhouse was built on the site of an older structure and looked after by Johnny the Prayers. The graveyard developed around the well.
The old people remember a time when the young men of different townlands of the parish used to assemble in the fields near Abby's Well and compete for the "Championship of the Parish" with hop-step-and-jump and long jump.
It is said that it had been revealed to St Abby that she should get a church built at a spot at where she could see 9 white deer, and that she set out on her travels through Munster in quest of this site. At several places, she saw several white deer, and she blessed those places and a spring gushed forth in each of them. She finally saw nine white deer in Ballyvourney. There she got her church built and there she died beside that church we was buried. Schools' Folklore Collection (03/094: 0363)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The blackwater was full, still, and impressive, and the footpath named after the St Barnane Walk, is an attractive spot to wander down, in fact, it is now part of the official town walk. The well is about 500meters along, passing some interesting Victorian buildings behind walls and vegetation. The well is clearly signed by a wall plaque and is accessed along a whitewashed passageway, somewhat mouldy and licheny at the moment. Signage to the well is accessed down a narrow passageway. There are actually 2 well basins, both connected underground, the water eventually flowing out to the river. The well to the south is foot-shaped, partially lined with concrete and has 3 steps leading down the circular-ish basin. The whole thing is surrounded by concrete slabs. The well to the north, which receives water from its companion, is more rectangular in shape, also with 3 steps down to it. Water in both wells was clear and plentiful, but choked with coppery leaves and little water beetles skimming along the surface. It's an odd space, claustrophobic and damp, a small spindly tree with a large metal protective grill and a wall-set cast iron drinking fountain-presumably the water was once piped to this for around the edge it warns rather sternly: "Keep the pavement dry!"
4 Cure
It is thought to cure blindness.
8 Stories
Lizzy O'Grady gives a very detailed account of St Bernard's well in the Schools' Folklore Collection
Around the district of Fermoy, there are many holy wells. In Burnane Walk south of the river Blackwater there is a well called St Bernard's well, which is situated about 100 yards from a Picture House built on the site of an old abbey. As Fermoy is a beauty spot, many sightseers visit it and they make sure in viewing the course of the Blackwater and in rambling up Barnane they visit the well.
About 15 yards south on the right bank of the river Blackwater and a quarter of a mile west of the Femoy bridge the exact position of the well is to be found.
The well is on level ground protected by a wall on the east, south and west, but open on the north to admit visitors. On the south side to which is attached an enamel cup, an ash tree grows near whose branches over-spread the well. Beech trees grow to the .. and the west. A gravel path leads to the well which is divided into 2 parts, the part near the entrance is square shaped, 3 steps must be descended to reach this well in the waters of which are applied to affected parts. About a yard from this is a round shaped part of the well which is also 3 steps below the level of the ground. The water of this is drunk and sometimes taken away in bottles. Both parts are connected by an underground stream, the waters of the round part feeding the square part and flowing thence to the river Blackwater.
St Bernard lived sometime during the 11th centurey. On one occasion when he visited Fermoy a poor blind man came to him and begged him to restore his site. St Bernard blessed the ground on which they were standing and immediately a fountain of fresh water sprang up. The saint told the man to bathe his eyes with water and no sooner had he done so than his sight was restored. The news of the miracle spread rapidly throughout the country and many blind people came to the spot and washed their eyes with water from the well and were restored their sight.
Many strange sights have been seen in the neighbourhood of the well and it is supposed to be haunted.
I have gathered this information from some of the old people in Fermoy (041-043:0378)
St Bernard (1090-1153) was actually French, one of the leading lights behind the Cistercian movement and a gifted spiritual leader and writer. He founded the great abbey of Clairvaux in Burgandy, with himself as the Abbot. Quite what he was doing in Fermoy, I'm not sure, but his feast day is the 20th August.