What is recorded here

Holy well for the eyes on J. Sheehan's land in Glantane, County Cork, where rounds were once walked and have long since stopped. It is no longer easy to place, but the name still points to a bargain struck with water: give up pride, bring a candle, and ask to see what was hidden. Perhaps someone once stood at its edge in darkness, not certain whether they believed, and left able to picture the room they had forgotten.

Bowman (1934, 554) recorded holy well in J. Sheehan's land called 'Tobar na Suil- (Well for the eyes)'...'Rounds have long since been discontinued.' 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 a tradition of cure for eye ailments, the well was known as 'Tobar na Suil' (Well of the Eyes), reflecting a common medieval Irish practice of associating holy wells with specific physical afflictions. The discontinuation of rounds suggests a decline in ritual use, likely due to changing religious or social practices over time.

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