Well of St Peter and St Paul

Well of St Peter and St Paul

St Peter’s Well and St Paul’s Well

Kilpadder, County Kerry

The wells are just a few metres apart. Amanda Clarke gives this account: On the side of the road there is a kissing gate and after walking further into the woods there is another gate. Upon entering the gate there is an enclosed crucifixion table. The Archaeological Inventory describes the well as: “In a wooded area, at the base of outcropping rock on the S bank of the Owbeg River and c. 30m W of St Paul’s Well (KE094-001003-). This well, which is dedicated to St Peter, is situated in the W half of a roughly oval area (diam. c. 80m E-W) which is enclosed by an earthen bank and accessed by a gate at W. Inside the enclosing bank is a path around which pilgrims to the well walk while making the ’rounds’. The well (D 0.37m) is surrounded by three upright stone slabs enclosing a rectangular area (0.65m N-S; 0.5m E-W) which abuts the N face of the outcropping rock and it is fed by a natural spring from which a steady flow of water emerges. The outcropping rock above the well bears three roughly incised crosses (KE094-001002-) on its N face and a statue and cups lie on its upper surface. The smaller St Paul’s Well (KE094-001003-) is c. 30m to the E at the edge of the path. Nearby, a crucifix and a statue are housed in a purpose-built shelter. According to local information, ’rounds’ continue to be made here on 28/29 June. St Peter’s well is the first station and St Paul’s well is the second station visited during the ’rounds’ here.” (Amanda Clarke)

June 29

Five Hail Mary's are said at each well as one round.

Into the 1980s, a pattern Mass was still held every year. For some time in the 20thcentury, St. Paul's well was forgotten until older residents prompted its revival.

Amanda Clarke’s Blog, https://holywellsofcork.com/2018/05/19/a-trip-across-the-border-1-kenmare/