What is recorded here

An irregular hollow in a rock outcrop holds water still today, marked by a small drystone shrine, wooden crosses and coins. Six low cairns dot the boulders nearby, probably penitential stations, though a priest destroyed some of them a generation or two ago. The hillside stands rough and unfinished, as if devotion itself had chiselled the rock rather than human hands.

On rough hillside c. 420m NE of Loch na hAibhne Gairbhe. Known locally as Tobar na gCreigeán or An Tobar Beannaithe (GA052-001----), it consists of a natural irregular hollow (bullaun) in a rock outcrop with a small drystone-built stone shrine over it on which are wooden crosses and coins. Six small cairns (H c. 0.5m), probably penitential stations (GA052-001001-), are visible on boulders nearby: there used to be more until a priest destroyed them a generation or two ago (info. T. Robinson). Not visited. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Linked to St Bennaithe, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and is visited for ritual washing. The name "An Tobar Beannaithe" reflects its dedication to this early Irish saint, whose cult was widespread in the region.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.