What is recorded here

Castlewidenham holds a sheela-na-gig pulled from the Awbeg River in 1934 after years submerged beside a holy well. Its face is erased, its legs splayed, and one hand points deliberately toward its genitals, turning bare stone into a warning or a greeting. The castle owner still bars the way, preserving the figure’s refusal to become ordinary.

Originally noted by Ordnance Survey (Guest 1936, 116), as lying beside holy well (13958); recovered from bed of Awbeg River in 1934 where it had lain for a number of years, and placed near tower of Castle (14353) (ibid.). Figure has oval head with obliterated facial features; unusual head-dress of two divided triangular pieces falling as far as the shoulders. Neck is small and not clearly indicated, torso is lean with no evidence of breasts or ribs. Legs are widely splayed, knees bent. Right hand points to genital area, left hand rests on left thigh. (Cherry 1993, 109) Access to castle denied by landowner. 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/

A Sheela-na-gig carving, likely from the medieval period, often associated with fertility or ritual practices; such figures may have had symbolic or ceremonial roles linked to nearby holy wells or sacred sites.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.