What is recorded here

Ladys Well is an oval ritual hole cut into a West Cork slope, its sides and back reinforced with built stones. A second holy well sits seven metres east, suggesting the ground itself may have spoken through more than one voice. People likely knelt at either edge, drinking or washing in darkness, trusting the water to carry what flesh could not hold.

Oval-shaped well, set into slope, surrounded by stones built up as facing on sides and back. Second holy well lies c.7m to E (CO110-02103-). (Ó Ríordáin 1932, 99). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 Image provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

Linked to a local tradition of healing, Ladys Well is associated with female patronage, possibly a saintly or folkloric figure, and was likely used for ritual washing or prayer. The site's dual wells suggest a possible early Christian or pre-Christian ritual significance, with the western well possibly dedicated to a saint, while the eastern well may have had a complementary or seasonal function.

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