Holy well in Ballykenly — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Holy wells in Ireland are called Tobairínmára, and in Ballykenly that is the name still spoken beside a small stone ring set low in marsh. The well is no larger than a man’s outstretched arms, yet it has been known for cures, especially for eyes, the kind of trouble that comes on suddenly and leaves a person feeling marked. A landowner uncovered it recently after his father told him where it lay, as if the place had been waiting to be remembered rather than discovered. Water from such a well may have done little more than refresh, but people went there believing it could see through fog in the body, and that belief is half the life of the site.

In low-lying marsh. Circular, stone-lined well (diam. 0.6m; D 0.5m) containing plastic barrel. Landowner uncovered well recently, having been told of its location by his father; locally called 'Tobairínmára' and known for all sorts of cures, especially of eye ailments. 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 Saint Máire, the well, known as 'Tobairínmára', is traditionally associated with healing and is believed to have curative properties, particularly for skin ailments and female complaints. The name suggests a connection to Mary, and such wells were often sites of pilgrimage and ritual washing in pre-modern times.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.