Toberakilleen

Marked on the 1839 and 1925 eds of the OS 6-inch map where it is described as Toberakilleen – the well of the childrens’ burial ground. It is situated in a hollow (diam. c. 8m; max. D 1.8m at S) on a N-facing slope with an E-W stream c. 150m to the N. It is within a triangular copse (dims. c. 50m N-S; c. 35m E-W) of mature trees on the W side of a N-S public road. The well is rectangular (dims. 0.95m N-S; 0.8m E-W) and defined by masonry walls (H 0.6m) with two stone lintels on top. It is open on the N side where a small stream is spanned by a single stone (Wth 0.5m) just outside the well. There is a large tree growing over it, but there is no evidence of veneration and there is no record of veneration. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 31 August, 2012

Toberakilleen is associated with a local tradition of children’s burials, suggesting a possible connection to ancient or early Christian practices of interring the deceased near sacred water sources. The name and context imply a site of spiritual or ritual significance, though specific saintly associations or cures are not recorded.