Inghean Bhuidhes Well

Named 'holy well' on 1842 and 1904 OS 6-inch maps. In pasture, c. 200m to SE of Dromtarriff church and graveyard (14419,14576). Circular stone-covered and lined well (diam. 1.05m); opening on SE side with four steps down. Tree 3m to W has coins inserted in trunk and rags tied to branches; Bowman (1934, 349) noted three trees with large mound of stones at base of one. Rounds paid on May 6th (Ó Nunáin, 1975, 56). Large circular area around well recently enclosed by stone-built wall with gate to S; area inside wall partially paved. Known locally as 'St Iníon Buí's holy well'. According to Ó Ríordáin (1986, 33), Iníon Buí was sister of St Latiaran (see 14026) and St Lasair. According to Bowman (1934, 349), known locally as Dromtarriffe well; 'rounds also on 29th, 30th and 31st May and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year'. Said to have special cure for sore eyes (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 3, 87; photograph opp. 89). 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 a local tradition of healing, the well is associated with "Inghean Bhuidhe," a term meaning "yellow-haired girl," often a folkloric figure in Irish tradition connected with protective or curative powers. The well may have been a site of pilgrimage or ritual, particularly for ailments of the skin or eyes, as was common with many holy wells dedicated to or named after female saints or supernatural figures.