Tobernashelmida, well in County Sligo

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.

What is recorded here

Read the whole record

This well is first recorded as an antiquity on the 1st ed. OS 6-inch map where it is named ‘Tobernashelmida’. Thomas O’Conor recorded the following about the well in 1836 (OSL, 211): ‘There is a well in the Town of Sligo called Tobar na Seilmide, Snail’s Well, which, prophetic tradition says, will in time to come overwhelm by its waters the whole town. The reason why it is called Tobar na Selmide is, a snail is seen coming out of the well every seventh year, which is thought to be an enchanted and metamorphosed being, possessing the power of affecting in some time future an overflowing well, which will have the narrated effect.’ There is no local tradition of it being a ‘holy well’ nor is it listed as such in the published historical or antiquarian literature (pers. comm. M.A. Timoney).

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record SL014-126

Places near here

Photo credits

Sligo GAA (publisher); individual photographer not stated, sligogaa.ie
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
Sheila1988, Wikimedia Commons
Maker not stated on source page, www.flickr.com
Maker not stated on source page, tr.pinterest.com
Maker not stated on source page, en.wikipedia.org

Markievicz ParkGAA ground · 855 yd

AvilreaghHouse · 1040 yd

Explorer Tom Avilreagh in Knappagh Beg sounds like a name you’d invent for a particularly stubborn cat, but it’s actually part of a…

RosemalHouse · 1046 yd

Explorer Tom Rosemal in Knappagh Beg would order a massive portion of chips with extra gravy and no peas, because it’s got big…

Breenagh HouseHouse · 1065 yd

Explorer Tom Breenagh House would teach history by showing you how carved timber details on dormer windows actually make a street…

Saint Joseph'sHouse · 1095 yd

Explorer Tom Saint Joseph's in Knappagh Beg is holding its breath against the Sligo weather like it owes it money. It’s got original…

The BeehiveHouse · 1096 yd

Explorer Tom The Beehive in Knappagh Beg would win the county fair for best looking house with a gabled porch. It's all plain…

Wolfe Tone HouseHouse · 1103 yd

Explorer Tom Wolfe Tone House in Knappagh Beg would cope on a reality show by refusing to move because it’s too comfortable. It’s…

gates/railings/walls1107 yd

Explorer Tom Gates in Knappagh Beg are standing in the middle of a terrace looking completely out of place, like they wandered in…

The ShowgroundsLeague of Ireland ground · 1330 yd

Explorer Tom The Showgrounds is Sligo Rovers' home, where the red stands make it clear whose side the ground is on. The club gives…

Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Cleaveragh DemesneFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1550 yd

Explorer Tom Cleaveragh Demesne has a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin buried under the bank, and I’m sure…

Stone row in Carns (duke)Stone row · 1612 yd

Explorer Tom Carns’ stone row has six boulders in a line, two of which are actually standing up straight. Its favourite song is…

Ursuline Convent CemeteryCemetery · 1.1 mi

Explorer Tom Ursuline Convent Cemetery has made a New Year's resolution to stop letting the ivy take over the north wall, though…

More archaeology and monuments in County Sligo · All of County Sligo

Add to this placeAdd a picture Add a detailed tip Add a story

Explore the map1,095,414 places to discover