Holy Wells around Cork, Ireland

All Saints Well, BlarneyBallinspittleInchigeelaRonogue’s WellSt. Bartholomew’s Well, Cork CitySt. Brigid’s Well, CastlemagnerSt. Brigid’s Well, Mountbrigid, ButtevantSt. Fanahan’s Well, MitchelstownSt. Finbar’s Well, Gougane BarraSt. Fursey’s Well, Clonmeen Parish, BanteerSt. Gobnait’s Well (St. Abbey), Ballyvourney (Baile Mhuirne) – Feast Day February 11thSt. John’s Well, KilcorneySt. Laichteen’s Well, BlarneySt. Lawrence WellSt. Olan’s Well – Aghbullogue ParishSkour Well, Highfield, […]

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Tobar Ghobnatan Holy Wells: St. Abban’s Well and St. Gobnait’s Well

As you drive up to the Tobar Ghobnatan Statue, Well, Hut, Grave, Church ruins, and yard, you will see on your right a wrought iron archway with the letters spelling “HOLY WELL” along its top. Another sign labels it as the “Tobar Ghobnatan Holy Well”.

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Tobar Ghobnatan Wishing Trees

A grand example of a large wishing tree (or rag tree) can be found at Tobar Ghobnatan in County Cork Ireland. It is a magical space of charm and tradition, with holy wells, shrines, mythology, and magical spots. As you drive up to the Tobar Ghobnatan Statue, Well, Hut, Grave, Church ruins, and yard, you will see on your right a wrought-iron archway with the letters spelling “HOLY WELL” along its top.

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St. John’s Well, Carrigaline – County Cork, Ireland

Nestled into the woods between housing estates is a beehive shaped rock cairn covering a historical holy well that today is known as “St. John’s Well” or “Toberabbog”. Since Cork County has a few “St. John’s” Wells, it should be annotated as “St. John’s Well Carrigaline”.

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Fagan’s Well – Lady’s Well, Feltrim Hill – Feltrim Quarry, Ireland

Much lore surrounds the hill, ranging from apparitions of a grey ghostly horse, a big black dog with blazing eyes, and a hold hag with bundles of faggots gliding towards the Holy Well. It is said the well was originally dedicated to St. Werburgh, a Saxon princess who ruled in 689 C.E.

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Holy Well of Shanrahan (Glengarra Woods, Co. Tipperary, Ireland)

ccording to the Folklore Archive Collection at UCD, the Holy Well of Shanrahan in Shanbally Demesne (ethnographic research from W. Flynn, Poundlane, Clogheen age 80) recently changed names from the “Holy Well of Shanbally” to “St. Malachis Well”. An older woman referred to the well as “Tobar upnai Ceasra” and it was known as a well to be visited every Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

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St. Sylvester’s Well (Malahide, Ireland)

In the heart of Malahide sprung forth a natural spring that provided water for residents in this area since prehistoric times. By the historic era, it was well protected and revered as a holy well in addition to being the source of sustenance for the fisherman village. This well is found along the old Main Street in Malahide, which was later called Chapel Street, then Old Street.

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