What is recorded here

St. Kennys Well is a natural spring at the bottom of a gravel pit in County Dublin, dedicated to St. Canice and traditionally believed to cure headaches and sore throats. The water never goes dry, though people no longer pray at it; cattle drink from the damp circular area instead. What once eased human pain now sustains animal life, shifting the well’s purpose without losing its generosity.

Annotated 'St Kenny's Well' on the 1837 ed. OSi 6-inch map. A natural spring well which is unenclosed. Situated at the bottom of hollow or gravel pit. Dedicated to St. Canice (Kenny) and traditionally thought to cure headaches and sore throats (Ó Danachair 1958, 75; Healy 1975, 16). Folklore collected from Damstown School recorded the following about this well; 'There is a holy well on Mr Wilson's farm at Hollywood, Ballyboughal, Co Dublin. It is called St. Canices well. it has a good spring and never goes dry' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0787, Page 287; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4436845/4384460/4440225). No longer venerated. Visible as a large damp circular area unenclosed by any structure, surrounded by trees and bushes. Used for watering cattle (Skyvova 2005, 55). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 11 April 2023

Dedicated to St. Canice (also known as Kenny), the well is traditionally associated with the cure of headaches. St. Canice was an early Irish saint linked to Kilkenny and other sites across the country, often connected with healing wells and monastic foundations.

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