What is recorded here

Holy well in Cill Rialaigh is a small pool beneath a massive boulder, with a stream running through paving slabs and rough walling still visible beside it. It lies a short distance from Kildreelig, where pasture drops steeply toward a cliff edge, giving the place a sudden exposure to sky and sea air. People once walked there on Good Friday for a pattern, but local visitation faded after the 1930s. The well does not need much invention; it keeps its shape in stone, water and absence.

This pool, locally regarded as a holy well, is located a short distance SW of Kildreelig ecclesiastical site in rough pasture which slopes down steeply toward a cliff-edge at E. A small stream issues from the pool, which occurs beneath a massive boulder, and a number of paving slabs are placed in the stream. Remnants of rough walling line one side of the stream and extend N From the top of the boulder. A pattern was formerly held here on Good Friday, but the site has ceased to be visited since the 1930s (local information). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1074. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

This holy well is associated with Saint Cianan, an early Irish monk and founder of several monastic sites in County Kerry. Traditionally, the well was visited for its healing properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and respiratory system, and was likely a site of pilgrimage and seasonal rituals.

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