Tobershannan — Sminver (carrickboy Ed)

No trace of this 'Tobershannon' now survives. It was situated in wet boggy land S of the Erne. Recorded in 1936 as 'Tobar a' Seanaigh at Sminver, parish of Inish mac Saint. No stations at present' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 144). In 2004 excavations were carried out by Fintan Wals on behalf of Irish Archaeological Consultancy. Excavation licence number 04E0017 Described in the NRA database as 'This site was in a low-lying area of boggy pasture bordered on north, west and east by gentle slopes and a steep hill at the south. This feature was recorded in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) as a holy well. The site is not marked on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1835 (Sheet 107) but is marked on the Ordnance Survey 6-inch revision of 1847-50 and the 1st edition 25" map of 1906 (Sheet CV11.10) as “Tobershannon”. These documents would appear to attach a secure 19th century date to the construction of the well (stonework) and nothing was found during excavation to challenge this. The well was located to the west of the burnt deposit (see 04E0017 Part 1). It comprised a number of large rough-hewn stones placed in a sub-circular D-shape around the mouth of a subterranean natural spring. These stones (c. 0.20 m by 0.30 m by 0.80 m) were uncoursed and unbonded. The area defined by the stones measured 0.90 m east-west by 0.70 m north-south. It is consolidated by a low mound of medium-large rounded cobbles, loosely bonded with sandy silty peat. This mound may have been constructed with the dual intention of both strengthening the stones around the mouth of the spring and providing a firm surface upon which visitors to the well could stand'. Excavation licence number 04E0017 There were two separate elements to Sminver 1. Sminver 1a was a burnt spread found by Brian O Donnchadha during linear testing (Excavations 2003, No. 385, 03E1012-) and Sminver 1b was a holy well (SMR 107:57). Both investigations were carried out in advance of the proposed N15 Bundoran- Ballyshannon bypass. A 425m excavation was undertaken in advance of groundworks. Sminver 1b was situated in wet boggy land south of the Erne. A previously unknown burnt spread was also discovered 12m east of the well. The holy well and its immediate environs are due to be preserved in situ. This was facilitated by a slight change in the road design in this area by the NRA and Donegal County Council to allow for the open preservation of the feature. The feature was exposed, cleaned back and recorded. The burnt spread was fully excavated. (Excavations Bulletin 2004) Fintan Walsh, Irish Archaeological Consultancy, 8 Dungar Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload / revision : 01 November 2011