What is recorded here

Toberacreena was a holy well in Walkinstown where people tied rags and buttons to an overhanging bush, seeking relief from eye trouble. That vivid practice faded before memory itself, leaving the well hidden beneath an ordinary green. The water still belongs to the earth, waiting for someone to remember the shape of its grace.

Annotated 'Holy Well' on 1863 ed. OSi 25-inch map, this well in the parish of Crumlin was formerly situated in a Green off Walkinstown Crescent. Known as 'Toberacreena' it was regarded as a holy well. Holy well described by Ua Broin (1942, 109-10) as follows; 'Tobaracreena in the townland of Wilkinstown (locally known as Walkinstown) is but a short distance from Knockgortagh. Knowledge of its having formerly been regarded as a holy well has all but vanished, as has also its name; there being many indeed amongst those living quite near it who are unaware of its presence. It is variously called Tobaracreena, Tobarcreena, and Tobarmocreena by the few who have heard its ancient name. The practice of paying visits to it for prayer and for relief by persons suffering from eye troubles would seem to have been vigorous 80 or 90 years ago judging by references to it heard 60 years ago or thereabouts when the practice to some extent persisted. There are still living a few who remember seeing pieces of rag, buttons, etc., attached to the bush overhanging the well'. Today there are no surface remains visible. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 20 April 2023

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