Holy well in Rann Na Cille

A well known as Tober Na gCoracb also as 'The Well of the Fair Winds'. Occasionally also referred to as Tobar Windy or Tobar Bhindig, but this name is said by some to refer to another well nearby. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'But perhaps a better tradition is that which tells that it was not at Tobar na mBan Naomh (DG096-018001-) the fishermen used to salute but at another little well near it called Tobar na gCorach, "the Well of the Fair Winds". When Teelin boats were storm-stayed at Sligo, Ballina, or Belmullet if this Tobar na gCorach were cleaned out it would bring about favourable winds, but there was a danger that a member of the family that cleaned the well would die' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 149). (Ó Muirgheasa No. 26) The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 03 November 2011

Linked to Saint Fillan, the well is traditionally associated with cures for respiratory ailments and is often visited with offerings of coins or ribbons. Local folklore suggests that the well's waters were believed to bring calm winds for sailors, reflecting its name 'The Well of the Fair Winds'.