What is recorded here

Kilcolman Well sits at the base of a large sycamore tree in County Cork pasture, marked only by a rough circular stone wall and a stream flowing east. Tradition holds that washing dirty clothes or potatoes in the water once dried the spring until salt and holy water restored it. Bowman found no rounds or special days left in 1934, yet the well still gives water beside an old church shadow.

In pasture, c. 165m SW of burial ground and church site (14114,14494). Roughly circular well at base of large sycamore tree, with edges defined by rough line of stones; stream flows out from E side. When visited by Bowman (1934, 557), rounds had been discontinued; no indication of holy use. 'A low circular wall, 8ft. diam. surrounds the well. There was no special day for paying rounds.'(ibid.). According to Grove White (1905-25, vol. 3, 340), '...if dirty clothes, potatoes or the like were washed in it, the spring would immediately dry. Such happened...about 1790...but the well was again restored by putting salt and holy water into it.' 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 Images provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

Linked to Saint Colman, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and general healing. Pilgrimages and offerings, such as coins and ribbons, are recorded at the site, reflecting a long-standing local devotion and folklore surrounding the saint’s intercessory powers.

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