Toberfell

Marked on the 1841-42 and 1914-15 OS maps as 'Toberfell' (Tobar Feille - well of the treachery). Situation and Description: This is a small circular well of pure chalybeat water. According to Smith (1756, 184) Fell's Well was named after the man who discovered it. He 'made a trial of its virtues in scorbutic cases, like German spa at the fountain head'. According to the ITA Survey of 1943 this well was known locally as 'Tobarín Donn' and that the local tradition to then curative powers of this well was very strong at that time (SMR File). Rahavanaig School collected the following tradition about this well; 'There was another holy well in Tullamore. There was a battle on Knockanore long ago after the soldiers washed their wounds in the water of Tobar Fel and were immediately cured. The people began to use the water of Tobar Fel for household use and the well and statues disappeared' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0400, Page 108; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4666572/4663099; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4666572/4663100). See attached colour photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 920. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Caimin O’Brien Date of revised upload: 17 May 2022

Toberfell, or Tobar Feille, is associated with a legend of treachery, possibly linked to early Christian or medieval conflict in the region. The name suggests a historical or folkloric tale of betrayal connected to the site, though specific saintly associations or cures are not clearly recorded.