What is recorded here

Killeenstouke graveyard holds a sandstone slab with a circular hollow, still receiving coins and crosses beneath its cover stone. The well may have quenched thirst, cleansed skin or marked a boundary between living memory and dead time. Its small depth and off-centre shape suggest human hands shaped it for repeated use rather than accidental erosion.

Located in SE quadrant of Killeenstouke graveyard (CO140-050001-). Irregular sandstone slab (c. 0.8m x 0.4m); off-centre, circular hollow (diam. 0.3m; D 0.08m) on upper surface; covered by a stone of similar dimensions. Small votive offerings (e.g. coins, crosses etc.) suggests still in use as holy well. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 Image provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the bullaun stone may have been used for ritual purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or as a site for pilgrimages. Covering the hollow with a stone could reflect later Christian practices or protective folklore.

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