Tober Patrick

Situated within a hollow at the base of a steep N-facing ridge are two adjoining holy wells dedicated to St. Patrick and St. Brigid respectively, within a small, square walled enclosure (dim. 11m). Patterns are still held here annually on June 29th. This, the larger well is dedicated to St. Patrick and comprises a circular pool (diam. 2m) defined by a stone wall. Four stone steps lead down to the water level. Appended to its W side is 'St. Brigid's Well' (SL019-151002-) roofed by a massive slab which bears numerous crudely inscribed crosses (SL019-151003-). A series of stone steps leads down to the water level. Built into the enclosure wall, a short distance SW of the wells, is a stone crucifixion plaque (SL019-151004-). Also within the enclosure is a plain rectangular stone altar (SL019-151005-). A third well, which was used by penitents for washing their feet before and after undertaking the patterns, is located 1.7m N of the enclosure. Attached images: SL019-151001-_01 Tober Patrick at left, with St. Brigid's Well (SL019-151002-) at right SL019-151001-_02 Tober Patrick viewed from E, with altar (SL019-151005-) in background at left. SL019-151001-_03 Tober Patrick well enclosure, viewed from NE Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan Date of upload: 19 January 2011

Tober Patrick in Dromard is associated with St. Patrick and St. Brigid, reflecting the dual devotion common in early Irish Christian sites. The wells, enclosed within a stone wall, were likely centres of pilgrimage and healing, with patterns (festivals) still held there historically, indicating their enduring spiritual and communal significance.