Toberkieran

Two holy wells located side by side in a field adjacent to the E of Sranure graveyard (OF026-033001-). Both of these water filled wells are enclosed by modern concrete stiles with coins visible at the bottom. According to the OS 'The well and field near to the parish church were called by this name, and a pattern was formerly held here on St John's Day' (OSFNB 1837-40, vol. 1, 64). Test excavation that was undertaken by Dominic Delany under licence no. 01E0431 on the site of a proposed new dwelling at Sranure, Co. Offaly, on 28 May 2001 revealed remains of possible ecclesiastical enclosure (OF026-033002-). The development site lies immediately east of a church site (OF026-033----) and graveyard (OF026-033001-) and there is a holy well (OF026-034----) in the field to the north. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Toberkieran is traditionally associated with St. Kieran, an early Irish Christian saint linked to the founding of monastic sites in the region. The wells are believed to have curative properties, particularly for eye ailments, and the presence of coins suggests a long-standing tradition of votive offerings.