Toberglassan

The holy well known as Toberglassan has apparently been eroded by the sea. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'There was a Tobar Glas Colmcille on Inis-bo-fiine, but its site has been eroded by the action of the sea, and the well has disappeared' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 152-3). (Ó Muirgheasa no. 53). The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 02 November 2011

The holy well Toberglassan (Tobar Glas Colmcille) is associated with Saint Columba (Colmcille), indicating a tradition of early Christian pilgrimage and veneration linked to the saint’s influence in the region. The site, located on Inis Bó Finne, was reportedly eroded by the sea by 1936, as noted by Ó Muirgheasa, suggesting a once-significant sacred location now lost to coastal change.