Toberfriabride — Capnagower

Situated within a cluster of ecclesiastical monuments associated with an enclosure (MA085-012001-). The well lies on relatively level but soggy ground 5.3m to N of the enclosure. Externally, this spring well resembles a small loose cairn, D-shaped in plan (E–W 2.2m, N–S 2m, H 0.5m max.). However, within this cairn is a very small, low chamber, which is rectangular in plan (E–W 1.1m, N–S 0.5m, H 0.6m, internally max.) and open at its eastern end. Its drystone sidewalls are neatly built, and it is roofed by two flat slabs. Westropp (1911a, 25, also 17) notes that although the well is dedicated to the feast of St Bridget, the pattern day was traditionally held on 15 August. He also (1911a, 25–7) relates a number of stories, customs and cures associated with the well, noting in particular that ‘its repute spreads from Galway and Sligo to America’ (1911a, 25). Although no pattern is celebrated there today, its former observance is still remembered locally (Kathleen Bessie O’Malley, pers. comm.). At the time of visit the water was 0.25m in depth and no offerings were in evidence. See also Otway (1839, 416), Browne (1900, 68), Cullen and Gill (1992d, 6 and 9) and Corlett (2001, 119–21 and pl. 97). The above description is derived from: New Survey of Clare Island. Volume 5: Archaeology. Edited by Paul Gosling, Conleth Manning and John Waddell. (Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. 2007). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 4 December 2018