Tobernambraher

In reclaimed bogland, 80m W of Boyounagh graveyard (GA006-030----). The OS Letters (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 1, 80) state that this well was known locally as 'the friar's well' or 'Tobar Patrick', but was not dedicated to St Patrick. Conway (c. 1980, 3) mentions 'a mound ... now broken down ... raised by the people to protect this well [and] a well-worn path made by the pious pilgrims outside [it] in performing their stations'. A 'cairn of pebbles' was also associated 'to count the number of their “rounds” or Rosaries'. According to the landowner, there were two wells here and a strong spring flowed from 'Tobernambraher'. The area was recently reclaimed and no visible surface trace survives. (Knight c. 1975, 2-3) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Linked to Saint Patrick, the well was historically known locally as 'Tobar Patrick' and may have been a site of pilgrimage or devotional practice. The alternative name 'the friar's well' suggests a possible later association with a religious community or figure in the area.