Why this matters
Linked to St. Flannel (Fionnán), the well was a site of pilgrimage and healing, particularly for skin ailments. The name Tober Domhnaigh suggests a connection to St. Domnall, but local tradition in the early 20th century associated it with St. Flannel, reflecting a common practice of folk identification of holy wells with saints.
What is recorded here
Marked on the 1938 'OS 6-inch' map as 'Toberdoney'. The OS Letters refer to a well called Tober Domhnaigh at which a station was formerly held (CLAJ 1927, 129). It was also known locally as St. Flannel's Well in the 1930's (Irish Folklore Commission Schools' Manuscripts 668, 381). Located in low marshy ground. It is an irregular-shaped, visible spring, roughly enclosed by a few very small boulders. Some small whitethorns grow on E side and a large ash sapling has fallen from which rosary beads, medals and buttons are hanging. A piece of old railway sleeper beside the well possibly for kneeling on. (ASI field notes, 10 May 1967)
Compiled by: Claire Breen
Date of upload: 20 June 2012
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