What is recorded here

Toberflannan is a holy well in County Galway, Ireland. The southwest chamber still stands roofless beside the graveyard, its dry spring waiting for rain while the southeast pool barely shows on the stream bank. People may have visited either water for healing, blessing or remembrance, carrying small offerings into the circular stone room before they disappeared.

In SW and SE corners of a rectangular graveyard (GA009D014002-) c. 40m SW of the church (GA009D014001-) and close by a stream. The SW well, correctly Tobar Flannáin (GA009D014004-), consists of a natural spring, dry at time of visit, with a rectangular stone surround. This is centrally placed within a roofless, stone and mortar-built chamber, circular in plan (D 1.95m, H 2m), with a doorway at N and an alcove at E. Though noted by Mason (1950, 50-1), no offerings are now visible. The site of St Colman's Well (GA009D014005-), in SE corner of graveyard, is now marked only by a small unenclosed pool (E-W 0.4m) on the bank of the stream. (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 1, 484; Hardiman 1846, 116) 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

Toberflannan is associated with Saint Flannán, a 7th-century Irish monk and hermit known for his ascetic practices and reputed healing powers. The well, traditionally visited for its curative properties, particularly for skin ailments and general well-being, was once a site of pilgrimage and seasonal rituals.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.