What is recorded here

St James Well in County Cork, Ireland is a small holy well enclosed by a low rectangular drystone wall. It holds some water while a thin stream flows beside it, yet it no longer appears in active holy use. The distinction between a living ritual place and a forgotten stone basin is not always easy to see from the outside.

Enclosed by low rectangular drystone-wall (H c. 0.5m). Some water contained in well; small stream flows beside it. Does not appear to be in holy use. 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 Images provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

St James Well is associated with St James the Greater, a patron saint traditionally linked to pilgrimages and healing. While the site appears to be in disuse, many wells dedicated to St James were historically visited for their supposed curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.