Toberabrahil

Situated in a marshy river valley on the E bank of the Nenagh River, c. 20m from the river's edge. A field boundary extending E-W is adjacent to the S side of the site with a small wooden footbridge across a field ditch. The well is keyhole-shaped with a funnel (L c. 2m) leading into the well proper (Wth 1.4m; D 0.95). The sides are crudely cut from clay and there is no stonework visible. The site is overgrown with brambles and obviously neglected. According to the OS Namebooks the well was 'resorted to by the peasantry each Saturday night after sun set or before sun rise for the cure of corporal diseases, principally head aches or sore eyes which it is said to have the power of curing, also weakly children when dipped in this well are said to thrive, or give up their existence immediately after' (OS Name Books, c. 1840). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

Toberabrahil is a holy well traditionally associated with St Brigid, linked to cures for eye ailments and general healing. The name "Toberabrahil" reflects the Irish "Tobar Bríde," indicating a long-standing devotion to the saint in the region.