Holy well in Ardea — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Tobarín Mhuire stands abandoned on a north-facing slope above Kenmare Bay, its holy water forgotten by most but once trusted to pull pain from aching teeth. Capt. D. B. O'Connell recorded the well in the 1930s, preserving a practice where ordinary people drank from a specific spring rather than waiting for distant doctors. The pasture has reclaimed the ritual, leaving only a damp hole and a name that still points toward Mary.

In pasture, on a N-facing slope with views N over Kenmare Bay. In the 1930s Capt. D. B. O'Connell recorded this spring well as a holy well known as 'Tobarín Mhuire' and noted that its water cured ills, particularly toothache (KAS). It is no longer in use. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

Linked to Saint Mary (Muire), the holy well was traditionally believed to cure ailments, especially toothaches. Locals would often make small offerings or perform rituals at the site to seek her intercession for healing.

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