What is recorded here
Tobermacduagh holds two holy wells where local people once washed skin complaints or left small coins for health. The name suggests Macduagh, yet no clear life or date survives to prove whether he was a saint, a healer or a forgotten landlord. Water still moves through Galway rock, carrying the same human hope that breathes into every ritual well: that the body can be remade through patience, memory and clean pressure.
The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.
Tobermacduagh Holy Wells are associated with St. Mac Duagh, an early Irish Christian saint believed to have founded a monastery in the area. The wells are traditionally linked to healing cures, particularly for eye ailments, and are visited as part of seasonal pilgrimage practices.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
Ritual siteRitual site, holy tree/bush · 9 yd
Enclosure in BoherduffEnclosure · 46 yd
Church (in ruins)Church · 104 yd
Water millWater mill, horizontal-wheeled · 173 yd
CastleCastle, tower house · 1469 yd
Cloghastookeen Castle (in ruins)Castle, unclassified · 1686 yd
Blake's IslandIslet · 2.3 mi
Ash IslandIslet · 2.6 mi
Long PointHeadland · 3.4 mi
Scalpeen RockNamed rock · 5.0 mi
Moyard WoodWood · 5.5 mi