Toberanalt

In a wooded area, beside a N-S flowing stream, on the S side of a steep wooded hill.This holy well is called 'Tobernalt'. It is enclosed within a circular setting (diam. 2.15) defined by a stone wall (H 2.27m; wall T 0.5m), which has an entrance to the SE (Wth 0.63m). The surrounding area has been landscaped. There is what is known locally as a 'Mass Rock' or altar (SL014-238002-) 5.5m to the SE of the well. Among plaques of modern date, affixed to the internal walls of the holy well, is a sandstone cross (H 0.43m; W 0.19m; T 0.06m), with a circular head. The site also contains statues and stations of the cross of modern date. A holly tree hung with votive offerings and rags stands on high ground to the NW of the holy well. Locally it is said that the mass rock was used to say mass in penal times and there has been a revival in recent years, with an annual mass being said by the Bishop of Elphin at 6am on Garland Sunday (last Sunday in July). Though no cures were recorded, it is locally believed that the waters of the stream cure blindness. The holy well is very well attended at all times. Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan Date of upload: 21 April 2011

Toberanalt is traditionally associated with Saint Nalta, a 7th-century Irish saint known for her healing miracles. The well was historically visited for cures related to eye ailments and general infirmities, with pilgrims often walking in a clockwise direction around the site as part of the ritual.