Add the human story, a picture, a first-hand message or a missing place.
Earn 5 points after the picture is checked and accepted.
Add a pictureAdd its storyTalk or ask a questionAdd a new placeWhat is recorded here
On a low SW-facing slope in undulating pasture within a large multiperiod field system (CL009-059001-). Named ‘Tobercameen’ on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Labelled ‘Tobar Chaimín eye cure’ on Robinson’s map (1977). This well consists of a subrectangular non-coursed drystone structure (1.25m N–S; 1.17m E–W; max. int. H 1.2m) with an opening at N. At least two steps (Wth 0.6m; D 0.4m) lead down to the well itself, which is defined by a rectangular depression (0.7m E–W; 0.6m N–S). The well was dry on inspection but three statues and a crucifix were noted. The well may be associated with the site of 'Kilcameen Church (CL009-059007-), which appears to have been located within a cashel (CL009-059101-) c. 50m to the N. Several sources have documented a local belief that sore eyes might be cured through the intercession of Saint Caimin by performing certain religious rites here and at the cist (CL009-059009-) located in the SE sector of the cashel (see Rynne 1970; Swinfen 1992, 33; Westropp 1900-1902, 137). In the Ordnance Survey Letters (1839), Eugene Curry recorded that ‘Stations were formerly performed' at the well but that practice was 'now almost given up’ (Comber 1997, 90). An enclosure (CL009-059005-) lies c. 73m to the S and the well-known cashel ‘Caherballykinvarga’ (CL009-059012-) lies c. 254m to the ENE.
Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott
Date of upload: 9 March 2022
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
Conversation about this place
Questions and messages sit beneath the source record. They are checked before appearing.
No questions or messages yet.
Ask a question or join the conversation