
What is recorded here
Tobar na Croise [Well of the Cross]: Located on the E side of a steep-sided glen through which a mountain stream flows S towards Castlemaine harbour. A small streamlet issues from under a rock here and forms a pool which is considered to be a holy well. One of the large rocks beside the well is apparently inscribed with 4 crosses (An Seabhac 1939, 203; Ó Danachair 1960, 76-7) but only 1 possible cross-like marking is now visible. However, there is a small modern crucifix cemented onto the rock face. Both Ó Danachair and An Seabhac noted that rounds were no longer made here, but local information indicates that it has been visited in very recent times and that it was associated with St. Brendan's day in particular.
See attached colour photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke
The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 929. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of revised upload: 1 November 2022
is associated with a tradition of healing and pilgrimage. The well’s name, Tobar na Croise, suggests a Christian, possibly early medieval, connection, though no specific saint is clearly linked to the site.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
Hut site in CaherpierceHut site · 450 yd
KilnKiln, corn-drying · 1388 yd
OutlinedHoly well · 1514 yd
BeenduffMountain / peak · 1565 yd
Church in LackChurch · 1612 yd
Cromane PointHeadland · 1.7 mi
Cromane BeachBeach / strand · 3.2 mi
CastleCastle, unclassified · 3.9 mi
Site of Camp CastleCastle, unclassified · 4.3 miOther information
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