A sheltered, tree-hung glen north of Clonmel where one of Ireland's largest holy wells wells up into a walled pool around an early Christian cross and a ruined church. Free to visit, and still a working pilgrimage site.
Thought to be one of Ireland's largest holy wells, this spring produces a huge, constant volume of water that fills a walled pool in a secluded valley. The water is said never to freeze, and local people still draw it for drinking.
On a small island at the centre of the pool stands a small, weathered limestone cross set with quartz pebbles, thought by some to date to the 5th century. It was moved here onto its island during 1960s restoration and marks where pilgrims began their rounds.
The roofless parish church is likely 15th or 16th century and contains carved architectural fragments and the 1622 altar tomb of the White family, brought from St Mary's in Clonmel. Pilgrims leave offerings and statues at the altar.
Water leaves the well through two narrow, oddly shaped granite spouts, identified as flumes originally belonging to an early medieval mill. Visitors traditionally wash sore eyes or lips here, believing the water holds cures.
Access is down a long, well-kept flight of stone steps through leafy trees, passing a statue of St Patrick erected in 1956 by the St Patrick's Day Society. The steep descent makes the glen unsuitable for wheelchair users.
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