Tobercolman

In pasture on the Burren plateau, at the S base of a low E–W ridge, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-001001-). Indicated and named ‘Tobercolman’ on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. The OS Letters note that this well was ‘called after St. Colman’ (Comber 1997, 73). Recorded by Robinson (1977) as ‘Tobar Cholmáin’. It is a natural spring enclosed by a wellhouse (2.9m NE–SW; 2m NW–SE; H 0.7–1m) constructed of squared random-coursed drystone walls and a lintelled roof. Cairn material is packed externally against the structure. It opens to the SE. A passage (L 0.9m; Wth 0.6–0.85m) with steps leads down to a rectangular well chamber (int. dims. 1.35m NE–SW; 0.65–0.8m NW–SE; H 1.75m). The lowest step is 0.2m above the water, which is c. 0.1m deep. Alcoves in the chamber at NW (H 0.34m; Wth 0.4m; D 0.3m), NE (H 0.2m; Wth 0.45m; D 0.15m) and SW (H 0.3m; Wth 0.4m; D 0.34m) contain statues and other offerings. According to local information, the well was used as a cure for headaches. A penitential station (CL009-006002-) lies c. 2m to the N and a hut site (CL009-006003-) lies c. 2m to the S. There is an enclosure (CL009-007----) c. 94m to the E. The following images have been attached: CL009-006001- (interior).jpg CL009-006001- (looking NW).jpg Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 18 October 2021

Linked to Saint Columba (Colum Cille), Tobercolman well is associated with traditional Catholic devotion and pilgrimage, particularly for cures related to eye ailments and general healing. The site's long-standing recognition on official maps suggests a continuity of local reverence from early modern times.