has strong links with Saint
Gobnait, the sixth century
saint who founded her convent
here. She was reputed to be a
skilled bee-keeper and,
according to local tradition
and history she cured the
ailments of her own monastic
community and the people of
West Cork. It is said that she
kept a terrible plague away
from Coolea and Ballyvourney.
There is still widespread local
devotion to Saint Gobnait with
February and at Whitsun. Her
statue, outside the cemetery,
portrays her as a beekeeper
and the remains of her convent
include Saint Gobnait's house
and church, her grave and a
holy well.
and weaves its way to Ré na
nDoirí (Renanaree) and Cill na
Martra (Kilnamartyra) nestling
amidst rugged mountain
scenery and where tree-clad