Tobernaplaw

Tobernaplaw/Tobar na Plá (The Well of the Plague): A pool of stagnant water marks the site of this well which formerly consisted of a spring with a small stream flowing S from it (OSNB Kildrum, 32). It lies about 140m to NW of the early church site at Kilfountan (KE043-144002-) but was not considered to be a holy well; tradition maintains that it received its name after it had cured a plague which raged in Corca Dhuibhne (OSL). Ó Danachair (1960, 77) recorded the following details about this well; ' "Tober na plaw" on 1842 map. "Tobar na Pláighe" - An Seabhac, op. cit. A spring in a marshy field. "Not esteemed a holy well at present, tho' according to tradition it received its name from its having on one occasion cured a plague " - OSL'. See attached photographs of Tobernaplaw, taken by Caoimhín Ó Danachair courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.18.00125/26/27 accessible online at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/16819/39805/39806. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 952. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 25 April 2022

Tobernaplaw, also known as Tobar na Plá, is traditionally associated with a cure for the plague, reflecting a common theme in Irish holy well lore where springs were believed to possess healing properties during epidemics. The name and local tradition suggest that the well may have been a site of pilgrimage or ritual during times of disease.