Tobernacally

It is described in gothic script as Tobernacally in gothic script on the 1839 and 1940 eds of the OS 6-inch map. The name - Tobar na Caillí- means the nun's well (pers. comm. C. Ó Crualaoich). The well is situated in a little rock-cut S-N valley and c. 35m S of the E-W River Barrow. It is a rectangular well (dims 0.73m x. 0.95m; H 0.92m) with a brick surround and a stone lintel, open to the E. The name is recorded by John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 (O’Flanagan, 1933, vol. 2, 341). The source of a small stream is c. 5m to the S but there is no evidence of veneration at the well. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 2 August, 2012

Tobernacally, or Tobar na Caillí, is associated with a nun, likely from early Christian times, and such wells were often sites of pilgrimage and prayer. The name and tradition suggest a link to female monastic life and the well may have been used for healing or purification rituals.