St John the Baptists Well

In pasture, on a steep W-facing slope. No visible surface trace of well that, according to local information, was removed and its source tapped- a pump-house and water trough now stand at this location. Holy Well described in 1840 as a 'spring well, about 3 feet [0.9m] wide. It is held sacred by the natives, and stations are performed at it on the eves of Sundays, also on the anniversary of the Saint, the 24th June. There is, however, no pattern held at it' (OSNB, 1440). Described by Ó Danachair (1955, 202) as 'a small well, now dry … no devotions now, but it used to be visited on Saturdays and on 24th June.' Church and graveyard (LI023-098001- and LI023-098002-) c. 200m to ENE. The following folklore was recorded from Ballinard National School about St. John's Well; 'St. John's Well is on the same farm as the Mass-bush. It is said that the water in it is a cure for sore eyes. There is a bush growing over the well and one time a man cut it and brought it home but it would not burn. It filled the house with smoke so he took it back and it is there to the present day' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0517, Page 039; accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922070/4849745/4947891?ChapterID=4922070). See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00326 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17041 and F025.21.00328 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24539. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 30 September 2020

St John the Baptist’s Well at Rathjordan is traditionally associated with the patron saint of the summer solstice and baptismal rites, often visited on St John’s Eve (23 June) for its supposed healing and protective properties. The well, though no longer visible, was historically linked to local customs involving lighting fires and making offerings for health and fertility.