What is recorded here

Toberbreedia was a holy well dedicated to St Bridget in Kiltannon, County Clare, where people still performed stations as late as 1839. Now hidden beneath a wet, scrubby depression east of the Kiltanon River, it may be blocked or simply waiting for someone brave enough to dig through the fallen branches and ask what the water remembers.

At the base of a W-facing slope, in a wet and scrubby oblong depression, immediately E of the Kiltanon River. It is depicted and named as ‘Toberbreedia’ on all OS historic mapping. According to Curry (OSL, vol. 2, 1839, 283), ‘there is another holy well dedicated to St Bridget in the townland of Kiltannon, at which stations still continue to be performed’. This well is not visible at ground level and is likely to have been blocked up. A tree has fallen across this area in recent times. Compiled by: Mary Tunney, Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 10 December 2018

Toberbreedia is associated with Saint Bride (or Brigid), a widely venerated early Irish saint linked to fertility, healing, and poetry. The well’s name derives from “Tobar Bríde,” reflecting a tradition of pilgrimage and water curing, particularly for eye ailments and general wellness.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.