Toberfeheen

On the roadside on N side of the Dooghta River valley. A pair of holy wells, fed from a small stream, which are dedicated to Muire (GA026-009----) and Fechín (GA026009001-). They are delimited by a rectangular drystone structure, E-shaped on plan (L 3.45m, Wth 2.9m, H 1.25m), the wells being located within its arms. A number of modern offerings are in evidence. According to local tradition, the wells originally contained a stone idol which had power over the weather; it was eventually smashed to pieces by St Fechín of Cong. The OS Letters recorded the existence of 'a flag stone called Leac Fechín [near St Fechín's Well; GA026-009002-] by which men were put to the ordeal!' (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 3, 42), but no visible trace of it was found. (Hardiman 1846, 120-1) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Toberfeheen is associated with Saint Fechín, a 7th-century monastic founder and patron saint of Fore in County Westmeath, venerated for his healing miracles. The well was traditionally visited for curing eye ailments and general healing, with pilgrimages often involving the collection of water in a cloth or vessel, and sometimes fasting or prayer.