Kilbegly Well

Marked only on the 1924-5 ed. of the OS 6-inch map, although called Tober Beaglaoich by John O' Donovan writing in the 1830s (Herity 2010, 15). The well, church and townland were named after Beag Bile, a saint associated with Tullaghobegly church, Co. Donegal (DG025-024----), who was also honoured here. The saint's feastday fell on the 1st November (Ó Riain 2011, 91-2), and while this well had a pattern in the 19th century (OS Name Books) the date is unknown. The well is situated towards the bottom of a steep SW-facing slope. It is a circular well (int. diam. 0.7m x 0.8m; D 0.8m) defined by a drystone wall which is open to the SW with two steps leading into it and a holy bush (RO054-026002-) with rags adjacent. Kilbegly Church (RO054-027001-) is c. 260m to the NE, and the corn-drying kiln (RO054-069----) is c. 180m to the NW. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revised upload: 24 August 2010

Kilbegly Well is associated with Saint Beag Bile, an early Irish saint linked to several sites in Munster. The well's name, Tober Beaglaoich, reflects its historical connection to this saint, and such wells were often visited for healing and spiritual purposes in traditional Irish practice.