Holy well in Carrigillihy

On the rocky seashore at the foot of an E-facing slope overlooking the mouth of Glandore Harbour. Spring water emerges from a crevice in the rock and flows eastwards forming an irregular shaped holy well (c. 0.8m x 0.3m). The well is known locally as 'Tobar na Cille - well of the church' (O'Donoghue 1986, 43). It is said to be associated with the church (CO142-092003-) and burial ground (CO142-092002-) c. 100m to the SW. 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

Linked to St. Cianan, the well is traditionally associated with cures for eye ailments and skin conditions. Local folklore suggests that the water, which remains fresh despite its coastal location, possesses healing properties and was once a site of pilgrimage.