This is the first anniversary of my attempt to visit and record all the Holy Wells of County Cork. So far I have visited 149 wells: of these 131 can be classified as definite holy wells, four are a bit iffy and 14 couldn’t be found. I have discovered a few things: Wells are everywhere! […]
offerings
Roving around Kilmichael
Today’s explorations were all within distance of the R584 meandering from Kealkil towards Macroom. The countryside was looking spectacular – all russets and ochres. First stop Togher. Couragh Well, Cabhrach,Togher Driving up to the farm to ask directions, the sight of the fortified house looming in the adjacent field is an impressive one. This incredibly […]
Our Lady’s Well, near Cloyne
A few days in east Cork on a holy well expedition proved fascinating and rewarding. The very first well visited was probably one of my all time favourites and really the epitome of all that’s special about Irish holy wells. Lady’s Well, Tobar Mhuire, Titeskin Near the ruins of the old church of Titeskin (or […]
Blessed Well, Rossbrin, West Cork
I had heard that a holy well lay somewhere down by the sea at Rossbrin and though it deserved an exploration. First I decided to visit the castle, newly up for sale. This rather wonky but atmospheric stack is all that remains of Fineen O Mahony’s fifteenth century tower house, once renowned for its scholarship […]
St Barrahane & St Brigid: an explore around Castlehaven
Two small, well camouflaged wells today, both with minute roads leading to them which required nerves of steel but well worth it! St Barrahane’s Well, Tobar Bearcháin, Castlehaven What a beautiful spot this is – a small, narrow, bumpy road takes you down to the unexpectedly expansive harbour of Castlehaven, the blue of the water […]
St Bartholomew’s Well, Tobar Partalam, near Bantry
This little well proved very elusive. I had tried on two previous occasions to locate it and had driven down small lanes, asked two women on horseback and generally found nothing. Armed with the GPS and a navigator, things proved a little easier the third time. We pulled into the corner and looked hopefully into […]