What is recorded here

Knocknaneirk holds a stone-built well inside an overgrown rock outcrop, no longer used for holy work but still shaped like a place where people knelt. Local story claims St Finbarr stopped there on his journey from Gougane Barra to Cork, drinking or washing before continuing into the world. The rocks have taken back much of the meaning, yet the chamber remains, waiting for rain, roots and the occasional person reckless enough to imagine company.

In overgrown rock outcrop. Well enclosed by stone-built structure. No longer in holy use. Locally believed that St Finbarr stopped here on his journey from Gougane Barra to Cork. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). 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 St Finbarr, the well is traditionally associated with his journey from Gougane Barra to Cork, and reflects the broader medieval hagiographic tradition of saints traveling and leaving spiritual imprints in the landscape. While no specific cure is recorded, such wells were often sites of pilgrimage and local devotion in earlier times.

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