Johns Well

In wooded area, on NW-facing marshy slope. Spring well consists of a muddy pool of water (1.6m N-S; 2m E-W) with large ash tree overhanging at SE verge. A small boulder partially blocks well outlet at N creating drinking area for cattle (D 0.3m). Ash tree was noted in 1840 when well described as ''reputed holy' (OSL, vol. 2, 25); no devotions noted at well in 1950s (Ó Danachair 1955, 204). See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00383 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24527; F025.21.00382 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17057 and F025.21.00384 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24528. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 2 October 2020

John’s Well is traditionally associated with Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day on 24 June is often linked to well-visiting and healing rituals in Irish folklore. The site may have been used historically for the cure of ailments, particularly those related to the eyes or general weakness, with water collected for drinking or washing.