St Benjamins Well

One of two holy wells (the other CO006-006004-) situated within early ecclesiastical enclosure ( CO006-006011-), in the NW quadrant, on the S bank of a stream; St Bericheart's House (CO006-006003-) lies immediately to the S. Circular stone-lined well covered by gabled structure with opening to E. There is a stand holding cups beside the opening. A low wall, with a gate to E, encloses the well and a small area around it. Reeves (1858, 274) described the well overhung with an 'old thorn tree covered with rags'. Photographs taken in 1907 (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, opp. 253) show an unenclosed well with scatter of stones to N, overhung by tree. According to Bowman (1934, 697), the well is located in 'church field. Rounds are still paid on February 18th, and also on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. This well is said to possess a certain cure for all diseases. About 15 years ago the well was enclosed by a stone wall.' Stones for this wall were taken from nearby St Bericheart's house'. Before that time it was customary to dip small fragments of the house in the well and to carry them home to safeguard against fire (ibid., 699). 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.   See also: https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2016/06/27/a-trio-of-wells-in-tullylease/ Date of upload: 14 January 2009

St Benjamins Well is associated with Saint Benjamin, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and is traditionally linked to cures for skin ailments and general well-being. The well's location within an early ecclesiastical enclosure suggests it was part of a monastic or pilgrimage site, reflecting the broader medieval Christian practice of associating holy wells with saints and healing traditions.