What is recorded here

Tobercolmoge is a hidden holy well in County Limerick, famed for curing sore eyes though no water or stone remains visible in the marshy glen. Children from Ballyhahill Glin National School told that the well once stood in a high field where women washed clothes before sinking into the earth, and some adults still circle it around Easter with prayers, leaving coins, cloth, or small religious objects behind. The disappearance does not diminish the claim; it suggests the water stopped being ordinary and became a test of whether people still believed enough to keep the glen alive.

Flat marshy area, on N bank of Glashanagark River. No visible surface trace of holy well. According to Ó Danachair (1955, 215) 'famous for the cure for sore eyes … rounds are still made, but not often … rags, coins and small religious objects left as offerings'. The following folklore was recorded from Ballyhahill Glin National School about Saint Colm Og's well; 'The well in Loughill is called Saint Colm Og's well. This well is down in a glen but long ago it was up in a high field and women used to be washing clothes in it and it removed down into the glen. People pay 'rounds' there around Easter. They leave a cup or a mug or a piece of cloth after them. This well is near the graveyard. The prayers said are seven "our fathers" and seven "hail Marys" and seven "glorys" for seven times. They say one our father and three "hail Marys" in honour of the Saint' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0482, Page 154; accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4921940/5053407) See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00414 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31030; F025.21.00413 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31029 and F025.21.00412 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17067. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 2 October 2020

Tobercolmoge is associated with a tradition of curing sore eyes, with visitors historically making rounds and leaving rags and coins as offerings. The site's continued, though infrequent, use suggests a lingering folk belief in its healing powers.

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