What is recorded here
Situated in a broad river basin, close to the source of a SE-NW stream, which is c. 200m to the S. It is known as Toor Well, and dedicated to St Declan, but it may also be known as Tobar na Bhféithíní - Well of the veins - or as Tobar Mháire na Féithe - the well of Mary of the Vein. Traditionally, it is thought to cure skin disorders, particularly ringworm. A pattern is held here on July 26th, and the veneration of the well seems to have been developed from the 1950s. An area of c. 0.1ha around the well, a concrete-lined, subrectangular well (dims. 1.4m E-W; 0.3-0.6m N-S; D 2.2m), has been developed to include a bath-house, a covered altar and a pulpit with statues and crosses.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 11 November, 2011
Compiled by: Michael Moore
Linked to St Declan, an early Irish Christian saint associated with the foundation of monastic sites in Munster, the well may have been a site of pilgrimage and healing. The name "Tobar na Bhféithíní" (Well of the veins) suggests a tradition of curing circulatory or blood-related ailments, possibly through ritual washing or drinking.
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
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RathFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1656 yd
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CarronadavdergMountain / peak · 1.2 mi
Saint Patrick's Catholic ChurchOfficially recorded historic building · 1.3 mi
Dromore WoodWood · 3.4 mi
Castle (in ruins)Castle, tower house · 3.6 mi
Kilmaloo LoughWood · 4.1 mi
Kilgreany CaveCave · 4.4 mi
Dromona HillMountain / peak · 4.8 mi