Tobermurry

Located to c. 40m NE of Kilcar church (DG096-010005-) and graveyard (DG096-010007-), and named ‘Tobermurry’ on the OS 6-inch map, this monument functioned as a holy well, although there is no well or spring per se. It consists of a bullaun (DG096-010003-) or rock-basin surrounded by a cairn (DG096-010004-) 6m x 8.8m. Two depressions, (i) .34m x .4m and 0.23m deep and (ii). 2m in diameter and 0.05m deep, and a channel which feeds water to the first depression are carved on the top of the bullaun stone. (Ó Muirgheasa No. 22). Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'Kilcar there are three Holy Wells: (1) Tobar Charthach, or St. Carthach's Well (DG096-013001-) (2) Tobar Chonaill (DG096-010001-), or St. Conall Caol's Well (3) Tobar Mhuire, or the Blessed Virgin's Well (DG096-010008-)...Crowds of pilgrims still make the station or turus. It begins in the old ruined church of St. Carthach, after which the pilgrim makes three circuits of each of the three wells, and then finishes up at "the altar" in the old church.' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 147-8). (Ó Muirgheasa No. 22) Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 03 November 2011

Linked to St. Carthach (Cill Charthaigh), the site is associated with early Christian worship and may have been used for ritual water-related practices. The name suggests a tradition of pilgrimage and devotion, though no specific cures or folklore are recorded.