Tober Murry

On the roadside on N side of the Dooghta River valley. A pair of holy wells, fed from a small stream, which are dedicated to Muire (GA026-009----) and Fechín (GA026009001-). They are delimited by a rectangular drystone structure, E-shaped on plan (L 3.45m, Wth 2.9m, H 1.25m), the wells being located within its arms. A number of modern offerings are in evidence. According to local tradition, the wells originally contained a stone idol which had power over the weather; it was eventually smashed to pieces by St Fechín of Cong. The OS Letters recorded the existence of 'a flag stone called Leac Fechín [near St Fechín's Well; GA026-009002-] by which men were put to the ordeal!' (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 3, 42), but no visible trace of it was found. (Hardiman 1846, 120-1) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Tober Murry is associated with Saint Muire, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and is linked to traditions of healing and protection. The well was historically visited for its curative properties, particularly for eye ailments and general wellness, with rituals often involving the sign of the cross and the collection of water on specific feast days.