Indicated — Ballynagarde

Within post and wire enclosure with gate on W side. Two limestone flags step down into semi-circular area (L 1.82m; Wth 1.03m max.) defined by low concrete wall. This gives access to whitewashed barrel-vaulted concrete structure on the roof of which is a plain latin cross. A shallow diamond shaped recess below the cross housed a marble plaque that has now been removed (local information). The structure, which covers the well, is accessed via rectangular opening (Wth 0.52m; H 1.12m) leading into rectangular area (L 2.4m; H 1.1-1.4m; T 0.3m) (long-axis NE-SW) with plastered walls. Silt has accumulated at base and present water level is 0.4m depth. Water exits to W, under lower limestone step, via large pipe (diam. 0.28m). This well is associated with the Blessed Virgin and has healing powers for the eyes (local information). According to Ó Danachair (1955, 202-3) 'about 1830 the landlord, John Croker, prohibited visits, and allowed cattle to deface the well.' In 1922 Courtney Croker built 'the concrete cupola ... to save the well form desecration' (ibid.). The dedication is to Our Lady and in the 1950s 'rounds still made, especially on Saturdays and 15th August' (ibid.). The following folklore was recorded from Knockea National School about Tobar na nAmhrán or the Singing Well; 'This well is in the south eastern corner of what was up to four years ago known as Ballinagarde Demesne but which has since been divided up by the Land Commission. There is no saint mentioned in connection with this well. Saturday is the customary day for performing the rounds. In olden times the well was remarkable for curing sore eyes or bad sight. So remarkable were the cures that one of the Crokers - This family came into possession of Ballinagarde (formerly owned by the Burke’s) after the Cromwellian Plantation ) - having a valuable horse which had bad sight decided to take it to the well and bathe(d) it’s eyes with the water. He did so but the following morning the horse was found dead and the well had removed five or six yards' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0525, Page 062; accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922103/4852430/4948456). See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00340 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24536 and F025.21.00341 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24537. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 30 September 2020