St. Brendans Well

National Monument No. 221. St. Brendan's Well/Tobar Bhréanainn: This lies a little to NW of the previous features and consists simply of a rectangular depression filled with water. Its curative powers were complemented by those of Leac an Droma, a stone which formerly stood on the cliff edge but which has now disappeared. Leaning against this provided relief from rheumatism and back-ache. Ó Danachair (1960, 74-5) recorded the following details about St. Brendan's Well/Tobar Bhréanainn; 'A small well on the summit of Mount Brandon; close by are a ruined oratory, some heaps of stones which are " stations " and a pillar stone named Leac na nDrom. A pilgrimage is made to the mountain top on the 29th of June. Rounds are made about the well and the ruins nine circuits while reciting a rosary. The water is drunk and bottles of it are taken home to those who were unable to make the ascent. Pilgrims suffering from rheumatism and backache obtain relief by leaning against Leac na nDrom. Pins, coins or other small objects are left as offerings. Legends : The well is bottomless. Pilgrims often hear bells on the summit. On one occasion Saint Brendan, officiating on the summit, found that his missal had been forgotten; this was passed up from the mountain foot by the throng of pilgrims from hand to hand. A woman washed her feet in the well and it dried up; an aged and holy bishop was carried up the mountain in a chair to bless the well, and the water flowed again'. See attached colour photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage (compiler) 'Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey.' Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne (1986), no. 818. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 May 2013

St. Brendan's Well is associated with St. Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk and saint known for his legendary voyages and asceticism. The well is traditionally believed to have curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin, and was likely a site of pilgrimage and healing rituals in early Christian Ireland.