Toberderg

At the head of a NE–SW ravine, on the E side of a roughly N-S running boreen, within a large multiperiod field system (CL005-160001-). The land falls very steeply c. 40m to the SW. Indicated and labelled ‘Toberderg’ on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map, and ‘Tobar Dearg’ on Robinson’s map (1977). A natural spring rises from the base of a rock face (4m E–W; H. 0.6m) and cascades over many small solution holes (pools) at various levels in the area. The water generally collects in a shallow pool immediately to the E, then seeps SW, soaking a triangular upper rock shelf in the ravine, c. 10m below the level of the well, before flowing as a waterfall (H c. 15m) to the flat ravine floor. No votive offerings were visible. In the past it was resorted to as a cure for rheumatism (heritage.clareheritage.org/places/holy-wells/tobar-derg-eanty-more accessed 31 January 2022). There is a cashel (CL009-053007-) c. 109m to the SSE and a fulacht fia (CL009-148----) c. 155m to the SW. Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 31 January 2022

Toberderg is associated with Saint Derg, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and is traditionally linked to cures for skin ailments and general wellness. The well may have been visited as part of a seasonal pilgrimage, with customary practices including the recitation of prayers and the drinking or bathing in the sacred water.