| St.
Bridget’s Well – Churchtown:
The Well of St. Bridget rises on the slope
of Mount Bridget, which rises abruptly from the Moanroe,
about two miles from Churchtown. Canon J.F. Lynch, late
Church of Ireland rector of Caherconlish, and a native
of the Mallow district, visited Churchtown in 1905. Canon
Lynch was a noted historian and antiquarian. In his writings
Canon Lynch states, "at this sacred place I met a
woman named Mrs. O’Sullivan". Mrs O’Sullivan
told Canon Lynch that she had a son who when four years
old, suffered from lung and kidney disease. The young
lad with his father did the rounds with and drank the
water mixed with milk. When Canon Lynch visited Biddy’s
Tree he met that young lad who was growing up to be a
strong and healthy young man.
For further details about our Holy Well
contact Mrs Hannah Carey, Ballindillanig, Churchtown,
Mallow, Co Cork.
See also under our history section an
article by the late Jim McCarthy on Biddy’s Tree.
Tubrid Holy Well – Millstreet:
Situated about one mile to the west of
Millstreet town, Tubrid Well is probably the best known
of a number of wells in the Blackwater area. This the
second largest holy well in Britain and Ireland, is dedicated
to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is visited all year round
particularly in the month of May by thousands of people;
who come to pray and drink its healing waters.
St. John’s Well – Millstreet:
St. John’s Well otherwise known as
Tobar na Faithi, is situated on the north slopes of Mushera
mountains, approx. four miles from Millstreet. Like most
holy wells it is steeped in legend and tradition, reputedly
holding a cure for warts. Originally a pagan site it is
now christianised with Naomh Eoin (St. John), a local
6th Century saint. The stations of the cross
here are most unique having been crafted by local craftsmen.
June 24th the feast day of St. John, traditionally
draws a large attendance at the well, all visitors are
graciously welcome.
St. Laitiaran’s Well – Cullen:
St. Laitiaran, a revered figure shrouded
in folklore, is remembered on July 25th when
rounds are made at her well. This commemoration is connected
with the pre-Christian festival of Lughnasa. This well
is one of the "Three Sisters", the others are
Cill Lasaer in Boherbue and Ingean Bhui in Dromtariff.
Each has a different Pattern Day, where rounds are paid
at the well, Cill Lasear celebrates the start of Spring,
Ingean Bhui to celebrate the start of Summer and St. Laitiaran’s
to celebrate the Harvest.
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