What is recorded here

Ladys Well hides in an eastern slope in County Cork, wearing a triangular stone marker set by Thomas Seaward in 1833. Its cross, wings and flowers still stand above the water, while the name of its lady has faded from the rock. The well may have served love, birth or healing before it became a landmark, but that much is gone. What remains is a small stone chamber, a clear stream and the certainty that people once came here with something lost.

In pasture, on W side of stream at base of E-facing slope. Well is recessed into slope and covered by stone-built rectangular structure (H c. 1m; Wth c. 2m); off-central opening (H 0.8m; Wth 0.5m). On top of a structure is triangular stone decorated with an incised cross over raised circular boss with wings. Cross flanked on both sides by flower in raised relief. A weathered inscription along base of stone was read in 1985 as 'Erected by Thomas Seaward Esq. of Seafield 1833'; now illegible. Roughly incised crosses on boss, cross and lower section of stone. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). 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/

Ladys Well, Knocknacally is traditionally associated with a local saintly figure or female holy person, as suggested by its name, and may have been a site of pilgrimage or healing rituals. The structure indicates long-term veneration, though specific cures or folklore linked to the well are not recorded.

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