Shour Well

Roadside to N of Lough Hyne. Stone covered well at base of and set into semicircular enclosing wall (max. H 1.15m). Enclosing wall painted white with statue-filled niches and other holy objects embedded in wall. Area in front of well has spread of white quartz pebbles measuring 5m x 4m. To S, rectangular area enclosed by stones wall, stone built altar at N end. Decorated hawthorn tree behind well. Still in holy use. (Roberts 1988). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Linked to Saint Fursey, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and general healing. The site reflects a long-standing tradition of holy wells in Ireland, often adorned with pilgrim offerings and devotional objects.