Toberdonaghbaun

In low-lying marshland and rock outcrop. Named 'Toberdonaghbaun' in Gothic script on the 1838 and 1920 editions of the OS 6-inch maps. According to the OS Letters (O’Flanagan 1927, Vol. 1, 311), this spring well was known as ‘Tobar Dhonchadha Bháin … the well of Dennis bane (the white, or fair-haired)’. On inspection, the spring fed a trough from which a stream flowed to the SSW. Named ‘Open Well’ on the current OSi digital mapping. Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG Date of upload: 9 May 2023

Linked to Saint Oran Beg, a 7th-century Irish monk and companion of Saint Kevin of Glendalough, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and eye disorders. Locals historically made offerings of coins and ribbons, and the site was visited on Saint Oran’s feast day, 19 July, as part of seasonal pilgrimage practices.