Tobermurry

In woodland, on S verge of pond. Sub-circular well (2.5m N-S, 3m E-W) enclosed by dry-stone wall (H 0.42m; Wth 0.8m). Gap in wall (Wth 0.5m) at WNW forms entrance, leading down to well via 2 stone steps. Partially stone-lined channel drains well at NE. Well dry at time of visit. By 1840 rounds were only occasionally made here (OSL vol. 1, 21) and had ceased completely by 1950s (Ó Danachair 1955, 212); rounds were made on the 15th August (ibid.). See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00266 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/31095 and F025.21.00265 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17019. See attached colour photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 30 September 2020

Linked to Saint Murry, an early Irish Christian saint associated with healing and protection, the well may have been a site of pilgrimage and ritual washing for ailments, particularly skin conditions. Local tradition suggests that water was collected at dawn for maximum efficacy, and the site retains elements of pre-Christian sacred well practices.