Holy Well

Not shown on 1842 OS 6-inch map; indicated on 1904 OS 6-inch map. In wet ground; subcircular shallow depression (diam. c. 2m) with channel running N to stream. 'Locally called Tobar na Tuinne - well of the Quaking Bog' (Bowman 1934, 295-6). 'Deep...diam. c. 10ft. It is said that Inghe Buidhe (see 13982)...rested by this well on her way to Cullen.' (ibid.). According to Ó Nuanáin (1996, 57), called 'Tobar na Teine' because Latiaran (see 14026) resting here on her way from Cullen to Dromtarriff (13982), lit a fire and a well rose on the spot. Venerated in May and August; pattern day on May 1st. Various cures attributed to water from well including relief of tooth aches. Rags were tied to nearby branches (ibid.). 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

Linked to no specific saint, the well is associated with the Irish name Tobar na Tuinne, suggesting a connection to water spirits or supernatural forces in a quaking bog. Such sites were often considered liminal and potent in early Irish tradition, used for healing or divination.