Discover Alone ← Back to nearby map

← Back to the nearby map

Tobernaneagh — Kilfree

Holy well

Why this matters

Tobernaneagh Well is traditionally associated with Saint Kevin, a 6th-century monastic founder known for his holy wells across Ireland. The site was historically visited for its supposed curative properties, particularly for eye ailments, and was marked by seasonal rituals and pilgrimages.

View my places

What is recorded here

In pasture, at the base of a N-facing slope. The well utilised a natural spring emerging at the base of the slope. It has been converted into a county council reservoir and is enclosed by a rectangular concrete shed (11m E-W; 8.5m N-S). No structural remains of the holy well survive. In 1836 it was recorded that the well was known as 'Tobar na Naomh' with a traditional Patron Day on 15th August (OSL, 229). A holy well (SL044-081----) named 'Tober-na-neeve or the Well of the Saints' is recorded in Carrowntemple, c. 2.5km to SW, and had its patron day on 15th August. A penitential cairn (SL044-047002-) and a cross-slab (SL044-047003-) lie c. 9m to ESE and there is a burnt spread (SL044-047006-) at the NW corner of the shed. A cashel (SL044-048001-) is located at the top of the slope to S. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008
No photo yet

Add the human story, a picture, a first-hand message or a missing place.

Earn 5 points after the picture is checked and accepted.

Add a pictureAdd its storyTalk or ask a questionAdd a new place

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

Conversation about this place

Questions and messages sit beneath the source record. They are checked before appearing.

No questions or messages yet.

Ask a question or join the conversation