Tobernaughtin

This well is marked on the 1841-42 and 1914 OS maps as 'Tobernaughtin' (St Naughtin's Well). Situation and Description: Originally this well was 'a small pool overhung by a clump of whitethorn trees' (O'Danachair, 1958, JRSAI 88, 153-164). All that remains today is a scattering of stones at the bottom of a hill. Rounds/Legends/Offerings: Tobernaughtin was possibly connected to the nearby Kilnaughtin Church. According to the OSL, nothing could be gathered to prove 'which of the many saints of that name mentioned in the Irish calender, he was'. The water is now piped for cattle. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 882. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

Linked to St Naughtin, the well is associated with traditional Catholic devotion and local healing practices. The presence of whitethorn trees suggests a possible fusion with pre-Christian folklore, as such trees are often linked to sacred and liminal spaces in Irish tradition.