St. Peters Well

In a wooded area, at the base of outcropping rock on the S bank of the Owbeg River and c. 30m W of St Paul's Well (KE094-001003-). This well, which is dedicated to St Peter, is situated in the W half of a roughly oval area (diam. c. 80m E-W) which is enclosed by an earthen bank and accessed by a gate at W. Inside the enclosing bank is a path around which pilgrims to the well walk while making the 'rounds'. The well (D 0.37m) is surrounded by three upright stone slabs enclosing a rectangular area (0.65m N-S; 0.5m E-W) which abuts the N face of the outcropping rock and it is fed by a natural spring from which a steady flow of water emerges. The outcropping rock above the well bears three roughly incised crosses (KE094-001002-) on its N face and a statue and cups lie on its upper surface. The smaller St Paul's Well (KE094-001003-) is c. 30m to the E at the edge of the path. Nearby, a crucifix and a statue are housed in a purpose-built shelter. According to local information, 'rounds' continue to be made here on 28/29 June. St Peter's well is the first station and St Paul's well is the second station visited during the 'rounds' here (Anon. 1985, 15). See attached colour photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

St. Peter's Well at Kilpadder is associated with St. Peter, the apostle, and like many wells dedicated to him, it may have been linked to early Christian pilgrimage and healing traditions. Holy wells dedicated to St. Peter are often connected to fertility and protection, and local folklore may have included rituals for these purposes.