Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

In low-lying marsh, on W side of River Finnow. Large subcircular pond (diam. c. 9m; D c. 0.5m) from which stream exits to Finnow on NE side; sides stone-lined; many bubbling springs form pond. Gravel and concrete paths encircle pond. Bridge crosses exit point of stream. Grotto with statue of Blessed Virgin and small altar on NW side. Rounds made Thursday, Friday or Saturday of May but well frequented all year round. Locally referred to as 'Tiobraid'. According to Broker (1937, 34), local man (O'Leary), while visiting the midlands, heard of blind man who dreamed on three nights that he would be cured if he was brought to well. After three visits his sight was restored. Broker (ibid.) heard story from local born 1876 who heard it as a child, from older members of family; he gives correct name as 'Tobar na bo finne i mbun Claraigh and [sic] tSleighe'. According to Bowman (1934, 316), St Laterian is said to have visited and used well; Broker (ibid.) quotes C. Buckley in 'Catholic Bulletin' who stated that old people said St Gobnait or Abbey of Ballyvourney was patron; he could not clarify this locally.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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