Holy well in Ballinagroun

Tobar na Sceach or Tobar Rí an Domhnaigh: This well is part of the stream which flows S through a small glen in the middle of the townland (local information) but its precise location has not been identified. Rounds were formerly made here on Sunday mornings and the water was used to cure sore eyes. Ó Danachair (1960, 70) recorded the following details about this well; 'A small well in a little glen. No devotions now, but it was visited formerly on Sunday mornings for the cure of sore eyes. Legend : Pilgrims on the way to the well were warned by mysterious signs and voices of danger from ambushed robbers'. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 912. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013

Linked to Saint Fachanan or a local holy person, the well was traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and was visited for rounds and offerings. The name Tobar na Sceach suggests it may have been a site of seasonal or ritual significance, possibly connected to the Domhnach (Sunday) gatherings of the local community.