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Tobermadalowan

Holy well

What is recorded here

Tobermadalowan is a disused holy well in County Carlow, Ireland. Its subcircular stone chamber still holds a lintelled recess facing south, waiting for hands that have stopped coming. People may have drank from it during illness or simply watched the water move beneath ancient stones. The well no longer serves, but it remembers the shape of every body that leaned over its edge.
The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Now disused. Subcircular stone-built well (D 1.5-2m) with lintelled recess at S.
Tobermadalowan is associated with Saint Madalowan, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and was traditionally visited for the cure of eye ailments. The well's name, derived from the Irish "Tobar Mháda Luacháin," reflects its sacred status and the belief in its healing waters within local Christian and folk traditions.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.

What survives
Recorded monument

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