What is recorded here

Toberleagh is a holy well in County Cork, Ireland. A living tree throws roots across the water, building half the basin and forcing the other half into a crude horseshoe. Cattle still drink there, unchanged from the days when Tubber Caogh served human prayers. The boundary between animal and sacred has never been drawn straight.

In pasture. Horseshoe-shaped spring well (4m N-S; 3.1m E-W; D 1.6m) with tree on W side whose roots form W and S sides of well. Used by farm animals. Probably same well as 'Tubber Caogh' which, according to Grove White (1905-25, vol. 3, 80), was a holy well. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 Images provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

Toberleagh, Cloonleagh North is associated with the saintly figure Caogh, a local holy person venerated in early Christian traditions. The well, possibly linked to healing practices, may have been a site of pilgrimage and ritual, with its natural form and surrounding tree reinforcing its sacred character in folklore.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.