Toberchreest

Toberchreest/Tobar Críosta: This shallow, slab-lined well is located in woodland close to the W bank of the River Loe, a tributary of the Laune. It occurs at the base of a domed structure, roughly built in stone, which stands 1.52m high and measures 1.6m in diameter. The structure is surmounted by a modern iron cross. Lying 1m to E is a thin slab, .37m x .31m, which features crosses on both faces; on the first is a small Latin cross, with expanded terminals, and the letters J, W and D beneath, while the second face features a similar, though larger, cross. Alternatively known as St Brigid’s Well, rounds were formerly made here on Good Friday (CKFC, 1948). A magical trout was locally reputed to live in the well (Hitchcock RIA MS 24 E 13). Folklore collected from Cullenagh Upper School recorded the following tradition; 'In the middle of a bog in the townland near Dunlo is a holy well called the Well of Christ. People go there on trips every Good Friday. It is not known in what direction the place is called the Well of Christ. The water rising from the well is nice and is said to be a good drink. It is a cure for blindness. Everyone who leaves there leaves something behind or something like that. To make the trip properly you need to go around the well three times on your knees saying prayers' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0470, Page 410; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4742107/4736493/4759893?ChapterID=4742107) See attached photographs of Tobar Chríost, taken by Caoimhín Ó Danachair courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.18.00109/110 accessible online at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/16810; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/35493. See attached colour photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1061. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 14 April 2022

Toberchreest, also known as Tobar Críosta, is traditionally associated with Saint Christ (Críosta), and is believed to have been a site of early Christian pilgrimage. The well was historically visited for its supposed curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin, and was likely used in seasonal or devotional rituals.