I’m just back from a couple of days in Fermoy, meandering up and down the sides of the M8 in pursuit of the last crop of holy wells in this area – more of those shortly. This well, the final one of the trip, was an unplanned visit. Glancing at the map, I saw an […]
Chalk & Cheese: two very different wells near Burnfort
The last two wells in the latest North Cork exploration were like chalk and cheese, wonderful contrasts to show just how different holy wells can be. But first a diversion to Island Wedge tomb (CO042-056001) in the same townland as the first well. Island Wedge Tomb This took some finding – just a few miles […]
Cattle, Castles and Cranat: exploring around Ballyclogh
The day started with a visit to the outskirts of Kanturk in search of a holy well. It didn’t sound very promising: In pasture, c. 200m S of possible church and burial ground (14106). Bowman (1934, 523) recorded holy well here, noting that ‘Rounds have been discontinued for a long time’. Well collapsed and dry; […]
Trees, Saints, Cats & Cake: well hunting North Cork
This cluster of wells was on my list last time we were in North Cork but had to be postponed as the weather was just too hot! The heatwave having abated I dropped Himself off in Ballyvourney as he tackled the last leg of the Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscrai, also postponed due to heat. We arranged […]
An Elusive Lady
There are many interesting holy wells in the Buttevant area ( St Bridget for example ) but one has proved very elusive – Lady’s Well, seemingly very close to the town itself. The problem is that most of the town lies on the west bank of the River Awbeg, while the well is on the east bank. […]
Two Prophets: St Colmcille & St Moling
I’m still off piste and this week in County Kilkenny. I will eventually return to Cork but there’s more to come on Moling! First stop Inistioge and a well dedicated to St Colmcille. St Colmcille’s Well, Tobar Cholmcille What a very pretty place right on the River Nore. It was all go and there were […]