What is recorded here

Eglinton Square hides a tower-like chamber above a well once credited with curing sickness. Old residents called it St Brow's and climbed the steps to drink, while maps marked the water long before the housing estate swallowed the grounds of Ballinguile House. The name may point to St. Mobhi the nun rather than the male saint of Glasnevin, but the chamber still stands like a locked room waiting for someone to remember why it was built.

Possible holy well dedicated to a nun called St. Mobi, in the parish of Donnybrook. Situated at Eglinton Square Housing Estate which were formerly the grounds of Ballinguile House. A tower-like super-structure covers the well. It is accessible from steps. Associated with St. Mobhi the nun and not the male saint of Glasnevin (Ó Danachair 1958, 234; Daly 1957, 21). The well was described by White (1919, 151) as follows; 'There is a well on the premises which, when Mr White carne into occupation [1873], was reputed by some of the old people to be holy well, "St Brow's," and they often came for the water, which they said was a great cure. This well appears on the maps of the old lease, but in a slightly different locality. There is no authority for calling this a "holy well" except this tradition'. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 19 April 2023

Linked to St. Mobi, a lesser-known nun venerated in parts of Ireland, the well may have been a site of pilgrimage for local healing rituals. Though little historical record survives, such wells were often associated with cures for eye ailments and general well-being, reflecting broader Celtic Christian traditions.

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