What is recorded here
Tobereenaboolyboy is a holy well hidden in a narrow Cork glen, locally called the wart well. Heavy overgrowth now blocks the path, forcing anyone who wants its water to push through living green rather than walk a made road. The place still belongs to the body, not museums or memory, inviting people to seek relief from skin and flesh instead of pride.
In narrow glen. Inaccessible due to heavy overgrowth. Locally known as "wart well".
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). 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/
Linked to a local tradition for the cure of warts, the well was historically used through a ritual of water immersion or transfer, often involving the recitation of prayers. The site's name and purpose suggest a folkloric or pre-Christian origin later associated with Christian pilgrimage practices.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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