What is recorded here

Garranmacgarrett holds Tobar a gharáin báin, the well of white limestone ooze, on land once belonging to P. Mcauliffe. Local story claims the water fled its original hole because a woman washed clothes there, rejecting mundane use with sudden pride. The exact spot has vanished, but the refusal remains vivid: even holy water knows when it is being treated as ordinary.

One of three holy wells (13988,13989) recorded by Bowman (1934, 401) on P. Mcauliffe's land. 'That in Mr Mcauliffe's land is called Tobar a gharáin báin - well of the ooze from limestone. It is related that this well, like the majority of holy wells, changed its position, owing to a woman having washed some clothes at the well' (ibid.). Exact location not known. 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 Tobar a gharáin báin, the well is traditionally associated with limestone "ooze," possibly used in healing rituals or as a cure for skin ailments. The name suggests a connection to natural spring water believed to have purifying properties.

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