What is recorded here
Tobercrohane/Tobar Crócháin (Well of St. Cróchán): No surface trace survives of this well which was located close to the prehistoric copper mine known as St Crohane’s Hermitage, or Carraig Chrócháin (KE106-029----). In the late nineteenth century it was ‛scarcely visible’, but was still visited for the curative powers of its waters (OSRNB). It was the second of three holy wells visited as stations of a turas or pilgrimage during the now defunct three-day pattern of Kilcrohane, which commenced at Toberavilla/Tobar an Bhile (KE106-032003-).
Holy Well described in 1945 as follows: 'a small well of water, which is now scarcely visible, situate in the td. of Behaghane and quite close to Carrigcrohane. It is annually visited by people for alleged [an focal deiridh scriosta] curative purpose' (Ó Cíobháin 1984, 24)
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. 1053. 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: 4 May 2022
Tobercrohane is associated with St. Cróchán, a hermit linked to early Christian activity in the area, and was likely a site of pilgrimage and healing. The well's location near a prehistoric copper mine suggests a possible fusion of pagan and Christian traditions at the site.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
St. Crohanes HermitageHermitage · 10 yd
Copper Mines (Disused)Mine, copper · 77 yd
SheepfoldsHut site · 777 yd
Eagles HillMountain / peak · 1.1 mi
Castle Cove (in Ruins)Castle, tower house · 1.5 mi
Mullach BogMountain / peak · 1.6 mi
Reen BeachBeach / strand · 1.8 mi
Trá an Ghleanna Bhig / Glanbeg BeachBeach / strand · 2.1 mi
An PlaoscHeadland · 2.7 mi
Ogham StoneVisitor information · 2.8 mi
2Cliff · 2.8 mi