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At a glance
- TypeRitual site - holy well
What to look for
- Cross or cross-slab
- Pattern day
Picked out from the Archaeological Survey description below.
Can you visit?
- No source says it is open to the public.Most monuments in Ireland stand on private farmland.
- Ask the landowner before crossing fields, close gates, leave the stones as you find them.Visiting responsibly
History and description
Coomanaspig Well/Tobar Chúm an Easpaig: This well is located on the roadside on the N facing slope of Kilkeaveragh mountain. It is defined by two side slabs and a covering lintel, on the upper surface of which is a faintly incised linear cross.
Full archaeological record 155 words
Coomanaspig Well/Tobar Chúm an Easpaig: This well is located on the roadside on the N facing slope of Kilkeaveragh mountain. It is defined by two side slabs and a covering lintel, on the upper surface of which is a faintly incised linear cross. A short paved path leads to the well, with one of its slabs featuring a deeply incised cross. An upright slab in front of the well, measuring .6m x .35m, is similarly incised. The site is also known as St John's Well and is referred to by An Seabhac (1954, 28) as the Well of the Nine Bishops (Tobar na Naoi nEaspag). Rounds were formerly made here on the 29th September as part of the turas or pilgrimage which commenced at the pattern held at St Michael's Well, Dungeagan (KE097-029----), and which also involved visits to St Buonia's Well (KE088-027004-) and St Finan's Well (KE096-007----), both in The Glen (Delap 1911, 411).
Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Updated 30 July 2013 · Based on the A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.
Folklore and traditions
Rounds were formerly made here on the 29th September as part of the turas or pilgrimage which commenced at the pattern held at St Michael's Well, Dungeagan (KE097-029----), and which also involved visits to St Buonia's Well (KE088-027004-) and St Finan's Well (KE096-007----), both in The Glen (Delap 1911, 411).
More holy wells nearby
St. Buonia's Well
Ritual site - holy well · Cill Buaine · Kerry · 3.8 km away
Toberreendoney
Ritual site - holy well · Ballymanagh · Kerry · 7.4 km away
Tobergobnet
Ritual site - holy well · Glebe (Iveragh By.) · Kerry · 19 km away
Tobermurry
Ritual site - holy well · Fán · Kerry · 28 km away
Visitors' notes
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Around Tobairin Holy Well
Other heritage nearby
- Killemlagh ChurchAncient church · 3.1 km
- IllaunloughanMonastic site · 3.1 km
- Coom Wedge TombMegalithic tomb · 5.7 km
- Church at FarranreaghAncient church · 8.4 km
- St. Michael's Priory, BallinskelligsAbbey or friary · 8.5 km
Recorded within 5 km
- 11 promontory fortsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 10 ancient churchesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 10 ringfortsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 9 standing stonesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 5 holy wellsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 5 monastic sitesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 3 megalithic tombsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 ogham stoneArchaeological Survey of Ireland
Walks and trails
- Portmagee Pound Loop WalkWalking Trail · 6.0 km · nearest point 3.7 km
- Portmagee Knockeenawaddra Loop WalkWalking Trail · 7.0 km · nearest point 3.7 km
- Bray Head - ValentiaWalking Trail · 2.1 km · nearest point 4.1 km
Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs)Beaches · 8.2 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- ReenroeBeaches · 9.9 km
- Puffin Island Nature ReserveNature reserves · 3.3 km
- Puffin Island Nature ReserveNature reserves · 3.3 km
- Old Cable Historic HouseHistoric stays · 14 km
Other attractions nearby
- CoomanaspicNatural Landscape · 0.5 km
- Kerry CliffsHistoric Houses and Castle · 1.4 km
- Skelligs RockNature and Wildlife · 2.8 km
- Casey Skellig Michael ToursNature and Wildlife · 3.1 km


