What is recorded here

Toberkilmacoo is a living holy well in County Cork where people still walk rounds on Good Friday and through May. Its small stone chamber sits beside an old church enclosure, marked by votive offerings and a bank that holds the water like a cupped hand. The place suggests a continuous conversation between the community and the dead, where repetition itself becomes prayer.

In pasture, c. 210m N of early ecclesiastical enclosure (13876). Earthen bank (H 1.2m) encloses rectangular area (5.7m N-S; 5.5m E-W) around well; access by steps down in SW corner. Well is circular (diam. 1.5m), open and stone-lined; ground surface around is partially paved with stones; votive offerings surround well. According to Bowman (1934, 391), 'rounds are still paid on Good Friday - on which day only one visit will be paid. Rounds are also paid on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the month of May.' 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/

Linked to St. Kilmacoo, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and general well-being. The surrounding earthen bank and steps suggest a long-standing ritual use, possibly dating back to early Christian times.

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