Holy well in Ballymacahil

Spring well on the WSW side of a modern NNE-SSW laneway. The ENE half is defined by a very low wall with two concrete steps leading down to the water level. On the WSW side is a substantial, two-storey, approximately rectangular structure. At the basal level is a wooden door. The lower half of the door is absent. However in front of the opening is a large ladle, presumably used for pilgrims to take holy water from the well. The upper portion of the doorway is occupied by a Latin cross. The upper level of this structure is a relatively large rectangular chamber. The NNE, SSW and WSW sides and the roof are each built of single concrete slabs. The ENE side is open. Within the chamber is a statue of the Virgin Mary within a rectangular setting, the base and sides of which contain numerous votive offerings. Above this is a triangular plaque containing the following inscription: 'To prevent any understanding in connection with the Holy Well at Ballymacahill when I am gone, I hearby declare that I have blessed it on Sunday, October 3rd 1909 and dedicated it to Our Lady of the Rosary Fifteen Decades are the prayers prescribed Signed: Rev. Charles Gallagher, Killian Dated: 19th Day of August, 1944.' On the ENE side of the laneway is a wooden pew. Attached images (taken on 13th October 2013): DG092-023----_01.JPG Holy well viewed from SSW DG092-023----_02.JPG Holy well viewed from E. DG092-023----_03.JPG Upper part of well structure DG092-023----_04.JPG Opening to waters of spring at base of well structure Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan Date of upload: 18 October 2013

Linked to Saint Cianan, this holy well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and general well-being. Locally, it was once visited on the first Sunday of August for ritual washing and the throwing of coins as an offering.