What is recorded here

Tobernagowney is a lost holy well in County Cork, Ireland. Local tradition claims the water vanished after desecration, then reappeared elsewhere. The basin is now infilled, but the story keeps the well alive: even buried, clean water returns when people stop treating it as ordinary.

In garden. Recorded by Bowman (1934, 247) as holy well where 'rounds have been discontinued long since. Local tradition that this well was desecrated and disappeared for some time, rising again in its present position.' Well now infilled. 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

Linked to an unnamed saint or local tradition, the well was believed to have healing properties before its desecration and temporary disappearance. Local folklore recounts its miraculous return to its present location after a period of absence.

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