Toberfantan

Ó Danachair (1955, 205) recorded the following details about this holy well; ‘Toberfantan on 1840 map. A clear spring well about three feet in diameter in a grove of trees in Doon village. No devotions now, but formerly had a day of devotion on 3rd January, the feast of the patron, St Fintan of Dun Bleisce (Doon). Legend: The well moved when clothes were washed in it'. The following folklore was recorded from Doon National School about St. Fintan's Well; 'There are many wells around Doon. St. Fintan's well is situated at the side of the Barrack. Some years ago it was situated in Bottlehill a strange thing happened there, a woman washed clothes in it and it removed down to the side of the barrack' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0519, Page 256; accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922081/4850591). See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00273 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17022 and F025.21.00274 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24553. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 30 September 2020

Toberfantan, Kilmoylan Lower is associated with Saint Fantran, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and was historically visited for its supposed healing properties, particularly for skin ailments. The well's location in a grove of trees suggests a continuity of sacred landscape from pre-Christian times, with devotions recorded as recently as the mid-20th century.