Sunday Wells

In pasture, on gentle E-facing slope. Two wells are depicted on 1923 OS 6-inch map bordering pond area on E side. Enlarged pond survives, swelled by recent heavy rain. No visible surface trace of either well. Ó Danachair (1955, 203) describes each as 'walled with dry stone circular walls, about nine feet in diam. and four feet deep. Stonework now falling in.' Rounds were made before sunrise on Sundays but ceased in late 19th century; there were whitethorn trees at wells on which rags were hung (ibid.). See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00157 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31155; F025.21.00155 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31153 and F025.21.00154 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31152. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 3 October 2020

Linked to Saint Sunday, an early Irish saint whose cult was associated with healing wells in Munster. The site may have been used for ritual water offerings and the curing of ailments, particularly skin conditions, in accordance with traditional well-venerating practices.