St Finnchus Well

On E side of stream, in wooded area, on mass-path connecting road to E with Mitchelstown to W. Open, U-shaped well lined with brick and backed by low brick wall; area of brick paving around edge. 'For nine days before and nine days after the feast of Saint Fanahan on November 25th, large numbers of people come to pray at the well and to do the ''rounds''' (Power 1980, 23). Statue of St Fanahan behind well, housed in shrine; replaced in 1989 during repairs and renovations when cross slab also erected. According to local information, 'St Finnchu's' holy well (13951), c. 880m to SW in Brigown, abandoned in favour of this one. Single-arched foot-bridge to S crosses stream; stone head inserted into N face of S wall during repair works in 1989, said to have come from R.C. church in Thomas Street, Mitchelstown (14753) (pers. comm. B. Power). 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/

St Finnchus Well is associated with St Finnchus, a 7th-century hermit and companion of St Ciarán of Saigir, known for his ascetic life and healing miracles. The well was traditionally visited for cures, particularly for eye ailments and general healing, with rituals often involving nine days of prayer or pilgrimage.