Tobermurry

Tobermurry/Tobar Muire (Mary's Well/Our Lady's Well): This spring well dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in a modern landscaped setting on the outskirts of Kenmare town, a short distance W of the Finnihy river. It is slab-lined and is surmounted by an encased statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Set in concrete nearby is a slab with a deeply incised cross. The well was formerly visited on Saturdays 'by persons afflicted with any sickness' (OSNB Templeno, 35). A pattern is held here on August 15th, the feast day of Our Lady, when a major fair is also held in the town. See attached photographs (001-003) courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1072. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

This holy well, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is associated with traditional Catholic devotion and pilgrimage, particularly in times of need for health or protection. Locals historically visited the well to seek cures for ailments and to collect holy water, often accompanied by prayers and rituals such as circling the well or leaving offerings.