Holy well in Gortroe (duhallow By.)

On N side of steep-sided glen in which flows Glengarriff stream. According to Bowman (1934, 582), holy well was removed across the Gleann Garbh from Currabower (adjoining townland to S). Area known locally as site of holy well is now overgrown; all that remains is stone-lined and covered channel (L 2m) through which flows water from spring. According to local information, water from well could never be boiled and was cold in summer, warm in winter; it was said to cure headaches (ibid.). Rounds not made here in living memory. 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 an unidentified saint, the well was traditionally associated with healing and pilgrimage. Local folklore suggests it was moved from Currabower to its present location, reflecting the itinerant nature of some early holy wells in Ireland.