What is recorded here

St. Brecan’s Well stood on the north bank of the Aille River in County Clare, marked on maps from 1842 to 1920 before destruction in 1982. Flagstones lined its edge and a low sod formed the back, suggesting people visited this small water for centuries. Toomullin church lies forty-five metres away, tying the well to a lived Christian landscape rather than a forgotten legend. Its disappearance removed a tangible link between the valley, the river and the saint whose name it bore.

On the N bank of the Aille River in a flat E-W valley in pasture, with steep hillsides to the N and S and also overlooked by higher ground to the E. Indicated and named ‘St Brecan’s Well’ on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. This holy well was described as lined by flagstones, with low sod at the back (Kirby 2021). The well was destroyed in 1982 (Spellissy 1983, 9). There are no visible remains. Toomullin church (CL008-072001-) lies c. 45m to the WNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 17 January 2023 Spellissy, S. 1983 A Doolin walk: from Tuath Clae Church to Doonagore Castle. The Other Clare 7, 8-13. Kirby, T. 2021 Saint Brecan's Well,Tobar Briocáin, Toomullin. The Clare Holy Wells Project. Available @ Saint Brecan's Well,Tobar Briocáin, Toomullin - County Clare Heritage Office

St. Brecan’s Well is associated with the early Irish saint Brecan, traditionally linked to monastic foundations in County Kerry and believed to have lived in the 6th or 7th century. The well was historically visited for its supposed healing properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin, and may have been a site of seasonal pilgrimage or ritual observance.

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.