St. Columkilles Well

Located in a wooded depression on a gentle N-facing slope. The holy well was venerated in the 19th century (O'C. Redmond 1895, 155-6) and there is a record of a possible bullaun stone (WA029-0230023-) and of a carved stone head (WA029-023002-) built into the surrounding canopy (Buckley 1896, 214). A circular well with a canopy survives but the other features are not visible. (O'Keeffe 1994, 132) Buckley, M. J. C. (1896) Notes on Kilmolash Church, Near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, WAJ vol. 2, 212-20. O'C. Redmond, G. (1895) Notes on the history, antiquities, archaeological remains and legends connected with the western end of the county Waterford, part II.WAJ 1, 119-32, 147-61. O'Keeffe, T. (1994) Lismore and Cashel: reflections on the beginnings of Romanesque architecture in Munster. JRSAI 124, 118-52. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 26 July 2011

Linked to St. Columba (Columkille), the well is associated with healing traditions and pilgrimage, particularly for ailments of the eyes and general health. Local tradition holds that the saint visited the site, and the presence of a possible bullaun stone suggests ritual water preparation was part of the devotional practice.