What is recorded here

Tobercarrown is a circular stone well in Cork pasture where people still walk rounds to ease bad sight or other ailments. The clear spring water rises beside the Farahy River, inviting tired eyes and aching bodies into its quiet charge. What seems like simple folklore may be human recognition that some places still give back more than they take.

In level pasture, in flood plain on E side of Farahy River. Circular spring well (diam. 1.1m; D 1.1m) lined with stone walling and open on top. Known locally as St Gregory's well where sore eyes were cured. According to Grove White (1905-25, vol. 3, 113), water from well 'has the reputation of curing bad sight, etc. People from the surrounding country come here and pay rounds when suffering from any disease'. Photograph in 1905 (ibid., opp. 113) shows well in good condition with stone slabs edging sides at ground level and two cups on one of these slabs. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). 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/

Tobercarrown, also known as St Gregory's Well, is associated with the cure of sore eyes, a tradition common to many holy wells dedicated to early Christian saints. The well's name suggests a possible link to St Gregory, though the specific historical or hagiographic connection remains unclear.

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