Folklore · County Cork
Folklore and traditions of County Cork
30 sites with recorded traditions.
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30 sites in County Cork with traditions recorded by the Archaeological Survey. County Cork guide.
Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.
- Claragh Hillfort · Claraghatlea South, Co. Cork
According to local tradition, priest buried here (Broker 1937, 45) 'c. 300 years ago' (Bowman 1934, 318).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Cloyne Round Tower Round tower · Townparks (Imokilly By., Cloyne Par.), Co. Cork
Bell at 7th floor level with inscription 'Sheridan Dublin maker 1857' (Barrow ibid); tower locally termed "the Steeple" and traditionally hung bell of cathedral (Caulfield 1882, 17).Vaulted roof and battlements apparently added 1748/9 when lightning strucktop…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Innishannon Tower Ancient church · Farnahoe, Co. Cork
Addition of tower and apse probably contemporary with annexe (1801), the latter reputedly built for the Huguenots (ibid).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Gobnet's Church (ruin) Ancient church · Glebe (Muskerry West By., Ballyvourney Par.), Co. Cork
Near E end of graveyard (CO058-034003-); ruins of Ballyvourney parish church, known as Teampall Ghobnatan (O hEaluighthe 1952, 55) which, according to tradition, stands on site of St Gobnet's convent (O'Kelly 1952, 18).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Greenhill Ogham Stones Ogham stone · Greenhill, Co. Cork
According to White (1905-18, vol. 1, 327), in same field 'about 200 yards to the south, in a gap, is a quantity of broken stones, some of which have some traces of Ogham marks', which now appear to have disappeared; White (ibid.) also noted that 'according to…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ballinacarriga Castle Castle · Ballynacarriga (Carbery East (Eastern Div.) By.), Co. Cork
The remains of a two-storey mill on the stream to the W are said to have been built with stones from the castle.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kanturk Castle Castle · Paal East, Co. Cork
A number of legends are associated with the building of Kanturk (see Kelly 1896), but its exact date of construction is conjectural; Craig (1982, 117), following Leask (1941, 126), suggests before 1609, though the 3rd-floor fireplace in the E wall is similar…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Mallow Castle Castle · Castlelands (Fermoy By.), Co. Cork
The country house (CO033-009002-) c. 70m to the N is said to incorporate stables associated with the fortified house (Bence-Jones 1978, 200).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Aunia's Well Holy well · Dromore (Duhallow By.), Co. Cork
According to Berry (1905, 36), OS Name Books list an 'Aunia's Well, formerly resorted to for cures'; he speculates this is probably 'Tobar-na-Faithnidhe (fauny), the well of the warts' (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Brigid's Well Holy well · Kilbrogan, Co. Cork
Resorted to principally as cure for sore eyes; also called "Brigid's Well".
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Coole Upper Holy Well Holy well · Coole Upper, Co. Cork
Oval-shaped, clochán-type structure covers well; opening at S; concrete grotto on roof contains offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Inghean Bhuidhe's Well Holy well · Dromtarriff, Co. Cork
Tree 3m to W has coins inserted in trunk and rags tied to branches; Bowman (1934, 349) noted three trees with large mound of stones at base of one.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
- Lady's Well Holy well · Waterhouse, Co. Cork
Trees on N and E sides adorned with rags.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Coolgreen, Co. Cork
Rounds are made on August 15th and all during May.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballycurrany West, Co. Cork
Well enclosed in stone walls; corbelled roof; recess contains votive offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Magooly, Co. Cork
Rounds were paid at both wells on three successive Sundays.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Titeskin, Co. Cork
Nearby tree adorned with rags and rosary beads.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Mary's Well Holy well · Walshestown (Muskerry East By.), Co. Cork
According to local information, rounds made to cure toothaches, earaches and other "affectations of the head"; according to tradition a trout has been seen in N well (Mary's well) and an eel in S well (Sunday's well) (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Newtown South, Co. Cork
Local tradition that well moved to here from its original site at Crannavella Tree (14044) c. 1.4km to SW following use of well water for washing.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Knockduff Upper (Duhallow By., Clonfert Par.), Co. Cork
According to local information, well was dedicated to 'Our Lady'; also local tradition that blood on stones of priest killed there gave it name 'Tobar na gCloc Dearg'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Benjamin's Well Holy well · Gortnagark (Duhallow By.), Co. Cork
Reeves (1858, 274) described the well overhung with an 'old thorn tree covered with rags'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Francis Well Holy well · Cork City, Co. Cork
Fitzgerald, in 1896 (O Coindealbháin 1946, 161), describes well (diam. 5ft; D 2ft) as surrounded by path leading to crypt-like room with rock forming end wall; used as cure for sore eyes, consumption and other ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Gobnait's Well Holy well · Glebe (Muskerry West By., Ballyvourney Par.), Co. Cork
Votive offerings surround well and cups hang from a rack.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bernard's Well Holy well · Doonawanly, Co. Cork
Collapsing corrugated iron shelter to NNE holds pictures, votive offerings and cups; rags tied to tree and nearby bush; still in holy.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Mountbridget, Co. Cork
Shallow depression, defined by stone walling on N side and by cliff face to W and S. Canopy of bushes overhead tied with rags; several small statues left beside well by pilgrims.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Decla's Well Holy well · Imphrick, Co. Cork
Votive offerings surround well and rags adorn over-hanging bush.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Well Holy well · Poulavare, Co. Cork
The well is described by Reeves (1858, 274) as 'cased inside with blocks of oak, about three feet deep, rudely squared...believed to have been formerly lined with lead.' Photograph taken in 1907 (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, 264) shows a low square drystone…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Well Holy well · Crosshaven, Co. Cork
According to O'Leary (1919, 84) '...as no votive offerings are to be seen, apparently "rounds" are no longer made'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Olan's Well Holy well · Dromatimore, Co. Cork
Well enclosed by roughly circular stone-built structure with small opening facing E. Votive offerings around well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Altar Wedge Tomb Megalithic tomb · Altar, Co. Cork
A pit containing votive deposits of limpet, periwinkle shells and fish bones was found at the E end of the chamber, and a small spread of cremated human bone was uncovered inside the entrance area.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact