What is recorded here

Tobermacduagh is a holy well in County Galway, Ireland. It occupies the south edge of a small earthen mound beside a dredged stream, enclosed by a partially collapsed drystone wall. The name appears on maps from 1838 and 1933, while the well itself measures less than two metres across. People may have visited this quiet ridge for centuries, drawing water or leaving marks beside the boulders.

On a low ridge to the E of a N-S running stream that has been dredged. Named ‘Tobermacduagh’ on the 1838 and 1933 editions of the OS 6-inch maps and depicted on the OS 1:2500 plan (surveyed 1912-16) as a rectangular well located on the SSW edge of a small subcircular mound (c. 6.3m E-W; c. 4.5m N-S), which was surrounded by a ring of boulders. On inspection, the well (1.83m E-W; 0.96m N-S) was enclosed by a drystone wall (H 1.1m) that was partially collapsed on the W side. It occupied the S sector of an earthen mound, which was on the ridge. Piles of stones were visible around the mound. It was unclear if these were the result of field clearance or a feature associated with the well. Dredged material from the stream has been banked along its E bank, between the stream and the well. (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 2, 6). Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 9 January 2023

Tobermacduagh is associated with St MacDuagh, a 7th-century Irish saint and founder of the monastery at Kilmeen. The well was traditionally visited for its healing properties, particularly for eye ailments, and was 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.