What is recorded here
Ruown Well stands infilled on high ground east of the Glenmore river, marked only by a whitethorn bush where a five-foot flagstone once bridged the water. People still walk rounds there on St. John's Eve and through June, keeping alive a ritual older than the stone cover. The well no longer gives drink, but it still receives movement, memory and devotion.
On high ground to E of Glenmore river. Infilled; whitethorn bush marks site. According to Power (1923, 23) well 'covered overhead by a flagstone lintel five feet in length. "Rounds" are still made on St. John's Eve, and thence to the end of June'.
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/
Ruown Well is associated with St. John the Baptist, as evidenced by the tradition of making "rounds" on St. John's Eve, a common practice at holy wells linked to him. The site's partial preservation, marked by a whitethorn bush and a flagstone lintel, reflects the enduring local reverence for the saint and the ritual significance of the well in pre-modern folk practices.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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