What is recorded here

Tobernadihy is a dry, rectangular stone well hidden in marshy ground beside a graveyard, yet people still walk rounds there on September 25th. The well holds no water, but it holds attention. What is poured into it may not be prayer, but memory, longing or witness. The stones do not need to be wet to be holy. They need only to be remembered.

In marshy waste ground to NE of graveyard (CO107-04602-) and within early ecclesiastical enclosure (CO107-046001-). Known locally as "St Finbarr's Well". Rectangular stone-lined well (D 0.8m). Practically dry when visited. Seems to be still in holy use. Rounds are said to be made there on September 25th (Ó Ríordáin 1932, 99). 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 St Finbarr, a 7th-century patron saint of Cork and associated with numerous holy sites in the region. The well may have been used for healing or baptismal rites, reflecting early Christian traditions in west Cork.

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