What is recorded here

Holy wells in Ireland are often shallow rock-cut basins where people placed stones, poured water or prayed for healing. In Courtaparteen that small basin sits beside a graveyard and church path, still marked by flag stones and quartz pebbles. It may have served as a place for eye trouble, grief or seasonal prayer, with the church and dead giving the water its meaning.

Under an ivy-covered bank on the SW side of the path leading down to a graveyard (CO125-021001-) and a church (CO125-021002-). A roughly rectangular, rock-cut depression (1.2m NE-SW; 0.8m NW-SE; D 0.2m) is lined with concrete and its SW half is covered with flag stones. Quartz stones and pebbles lie on the debris-covered bottom, which is largely dry. According to Seán MacCarthaigh (I.T.A. Survey 1942), 'near Courtaparteen church (ruin) (CO125-02102-), a short distance south of Sandycove, in Desmond's lane is Tobar Ruuadáin (i.e. St. Ruadháin or Rohan's Well) into which pilgrims throw a little white stone and bathe their sore eyes. There are no special pattern days now'. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 Images provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

Linked to Saint Gobnait, the well is traditionally associated with cures for eye ailments and was historically visited by those seeking healing through immersion or the collection of water. The site reflects a broader Irish tradition of holy wells dedicated to early Christian saints and their roles as intermediaries in folk religious practice.

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