What is recorded here

Kennys Well is a holy spring in County Limerick, Ireland, reputed to belong to St Cainneach of Kilkenny and credited with curing many ailments. The clear water emerged beside a kink in a stream within poorly drained pasture, marked on the 1927 OS 6-inch map as Kenny's Well. Local tradition claims the well moved when an infant was washed in it, suggesting the water resisted ordinary human use. Overgrowth has since hidden the site, leaving only a faint rock circle where the sacred spring once gave itself without measure.

Situated immediately E of a kink in a stream, in poorly drained pasture. Indicated on the 1927 OS 6-inch map as 'Kenny's Well'. Described by Ó Danachair (1955) as 'a clear spring well about three feet in diameter…the water cured many ailments. Locally called 'Saint Kenny's Well', reputed to be St Cainneach of Kilkenny. There is a legend that the well moved when an infant was washed in it'. The site is now covered by overgrowth but there appears to be a circle or square of rocks around the spring (Wth c 0.5m). The well no longer seems to be in holy use. See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00288 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24544 and F025.21.00287 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17028. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 1 October 2020

Linked to Saint Kenny, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and general wellness. Local folklore suggests that the water was once used in seasonal rituals to ensure good health and fertility in the community.

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