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In conspicuous depression, in NW corner of small pasture field, at end of forestry trackway. Rectangular well (1.2m N-S; 0.8m E-W; D 0.8m; long-axis N-S) defined by moss covered drystone wall. Well is fed by natural spring (D 0.55m) at NNE. Well area may have continued to E, where it is obscured by thick growth of vegetation (2m N-S; 2.5m E-W). Overflow area (1.8m N-S; 0.8m E-W; D 0.55m) abutting to N is separated from main well by flagstones. Depth of water in well 0.2m. Pathway of paving slabs and wooden bench approach a wider paved area to W. Mature deciduous trees grow around well on western side, each with a wooden box attached containing religious memorabilia. Described by Ó Danachair (1955, 202) as 'known over a wide area, and rounds are often made, especially in May and September, and on Saturdays … now said to be Our Lady's Well.'
The following folklore was recorded from Tinnatarriff National School about Dromkeen Well; 'It is known as Tobardomhnaigh and is specially supposed to cure sore eyes. People visit it on Saturdays, make rounds there, wash their eyes in the water, drink some of it and leave some relic on the tree which grows near the well. It is said that years ago a farmer lived quite near this well and that one day he came home early from a fair and his wife had no dinner ready for him. She ran to the blessed well for water, as it was the nearest but but if she left it down in the pot for a week it would never boil or get hot. There is a well worn path around the well and many a rosary is said by those, principally women, who pray fervently there when they wish to obtain a cure'(The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0520, Page 007; accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922084/4850709).
See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00126 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/16978; F025.21.00130 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/16979 and F025.21.00131 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24586.
Compiled by: Denis Power
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of revised upload: 30 September 2020
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