Tobermacreagh

In hawthorn overgrowth in low-lying pasture at the W end of the Poulacarran Valley, with steep slopes rising c. 50m to the S and c. 80m to the W. Indicated and labelled 'Tobermacreagh' on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. This name may be an anglicisation of 'Tobar Mac Creiche' ('Well of the Son of Plunder'), i.e., St Macreahy (Kirby 2021). This poorly preserved and overgrown holy well is defined by a rectangular (11m N-S; 1.4m E-W) drystone wall (Wth c. 0.6m) which has fallen in at the W. The well was intentionally filled in in recent times, following two accidents here (ibid.). There is a cement trough immediately to the N, and a moss- and blackthorn-covered cairn (diam. 4m; H 0.8m) 2m to the S. The well lies in the W sector of a circular enclosure (c. 20m E-W; c. 20m N-S) defined by a tree-covered earthen bank (Wth 2m; max. H 1m) with the remains of a stone wall on top. There is an entrance gap (Wth 1.2m) at the W of the enclosure, adjacent to the well. In 1997, a local resident stated that there were no patterns or traditions associated with this well, other than a belief that the water here could help cure sore eyes. References Kirby, T. 2021 Saint Macreehy's Well, previously Tobarmacreagh, Carran. The Clare Holy Wells Project. Available @ https://heritage.clareheritage.org/places/holy-wells/saint-macreehys-well-previously-tobarmacreagh-carran Accessed 16-8-2022 Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 16 August 2022

Linked to Saint Macreagh, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and was historically visited for ritual washing. The name 'Tobermacreagh' (well of Macreagh) reflects a long-standing Christian devotion, though specific folklore or detailed accounts of its use are not well documented.