What is recorded here

Tobersenan is a holy well on Scattery Island, named for St. Senan and still linked to his March 8th feast. It sits twenty-two metres west of the round tower, built into the lowest of a series of stone steps that climb westward. The water is instantly deep, the drystone wall thick, and the whole place feels made for kneeling rather than looking. People may have come there to drink, wash or pray before the church was thought of, leaving no ribbon or coin behind because the sea and stone already kept the memory.

Named ‘Tobersenan’ this holy well is situated c. 22m W of the round tower (CL067-024005-) on Scattery Island. The ground slopes up to W in a series of steps and the well is built into the lowest of these. It is a large rectangular spring (int. dims. 3.5m E-W; 1.4m-1.55m N-S) with a thick drystone wall surround (Wth 0.7m-1m; ext. H 0.3m-0.5m). The well is approached from the E (Wth 1.4m) with two steps leading down to the water which is immediately 1.25m deep. The wall at W rises 1.5m over the water. There are no offerings at the well and it is uncertain if it is an original feature. A slab described by Westropp as ‘a cross-marked’ slab (Westropp 1897, 284) is no longer in evidence. The well is associated with a pattern held on March 8th, the feast of St. Senan. This is a national monument in state care, no. 10. Compiled by: Michael Moore and Mary Tunney Date of upload: 12 September 2016 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 1/1971).

Tobersenan Holy Well on Scattery Island is traditionally associated with Saint Senán, a 6th-century Irish monk and founder of Scattery Island monastery. The well is believed to have healing properties, particularly for eye ailments, and was historically visited as part of pilgrimages to the island.

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