Toberdabeage — Brownhall Demesne

In woodland, located in the rock wall on the N side of an underground river passage, at a point where the limestone roof of the passage has collapsed exposing the rocky sides of passage and the river in its base. Not indicated on the 1836 OS 6-inch map but indicated and named in gothic script as ‘Toberdabeage’ on the 1906 edition. A small, natural grotto or cave-like cavity (c. 2m N–S; c. 3m E–W; H c. 3m), coated in layers of travertine accretions, and open to S, is located in the rock wall of the ravine. It is located approximately mid-way down the rock face, at c. 4m below ground level, and is access by a series of rough stone steps leading down the steep slope. A shallow pool of water gathers naturally in the base of the cavity. This well is a natural feature located in a dramatic and unusual setting. The stone access steps were probably built in the 19th century when it is likely that the well was highlighted as an interesting feature in the grounds of Brownhall Demesne house. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 26 June 2015