Tober Bride

In pasture, at the base of a gradual NW-facing slope. A spring well appears to be located within an area (c. 3m NW-SE; c. 4m NE-SW) of grass-covered waterlogged ground bordered to SW by a low bedrock facade (L c. 2m; H 1m). There is no evidence of recent veneration at this well. In 1942-4 it was recorded that no pilgrimages had been made to it in the memory of the oldest inhabitants (ITA). In 1836 it was recorded that the well was known as 'Tobar na Naomh by the inhabitants of the surrounding townland' but in Abbeyville it was known as 'St. Bridget's well or Tobar Naomh Bríghde' (OSL, 148). It was also noted in 1836 that while there were no 'stations' then held at the well, they had been held there at one time (OSNB vol. 1, 351). 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

Tober Bride is traditionally associated with St Bride (Brigid), a widely venerated Irish saint linked to fertility, healing, and poetry. Holy wells dedicated to St Bride often feature rituals involving water for curing ailments, particularly those of the eyes and breasts, and were historically visited on her feast day, February 1st.