St John’s Well Mass on the slopes of Mushera

THE annual Mass on the slopes of Mushera Mountain takes place at St. John’s Well on Tuesday evening (June 27) commencing at 7.30pm.

Crowds from across Duhallow, Muskerry and further afield convene annually to the picturesque location that salutes the popular feast day of St. John’s Day and mid summer. The annual staging has become tradition with patrons from the adjoining parishes from Kerry, North and Mid Cork convening.

The well is situated in a quiet and peaceful location for prayer and reflection in addition to being a focal point for visitors, thanks to its setting. St. John’s Well is readily accessible for the public - its updating beginning in the 1950’s with the placing of a picture of St. John at the grotto.

Subsequently, the late Sonny Buckley constructed an altar followed by the formation of a special committee whose voluntary efforts put their talents together to erect a grotto and down through the years continue to maintain and create better facilities for visitors.

The first Mass at the grotto was celebrated on mid summer’s day in 1974 and eight years later the Stations of the Cross were officially blessed. Similar to other Holy Wells, St. John’s holds a tradition and reputation for curing ailments.

Visitors can locate the well four miles south of Millstreet off the Millstreet to Rylane Kerry/Cork Butter Road close to Millstreet Country Park.