What is recorded here

Toberfantan is a clear spring well in Doon village, dedicated to St Fintan of Dun Bleisce. It once attracted devotion on 3rd January, but a woman washing clothes there triggered its legendary move from Bottlehill to the barrack side. The water may have rejected mundane use, pulling itself back toward sacred purpose rather than staying put for domestic labour.

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.

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