Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer
At a glance
- TypeRitual site - holy well
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
On a stony hillside overlooking Cuan Cill Chiaráin to E. Known locally as Tobar Muire, it consists of a small irregular hollow in a rock outcrop, with a drystone canopy (H 1.1m) on W side. A few metres NE is a rectangular patch (E-W c. 2m) of small boulders, possibly the remains of a 'leaba'.
Full archaeological record 79 words
On a stony hillside overlooking Cuan Cill Chiaráin to E. Known locally as Tobar Muire, it consists of a small irregular hollow in a rock outcrop, with a drystone canopy (H 1.1m) on W side. A few metres NE is a rectangular patch (E-W c. 2m) of small boulders, possibly the remains of a 'leaba'. To N is a granite boulder (H 0.8m) which is said to have reappeared there after being thrown into the sea. (Robinson 1985, 55)
Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Updated 05 August 2010 · Based on the Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.
Folklore and traditions
To N is a granite boulder (H 0.8m) which is said to have reappeared there after being thrown into the sea.
More holy wells nearby
Tobar Muire
Ritual site - holy well · Roisín Na Mainiach · Galway · 3.7 km away
Well of the Seven Daughters
Ritual site - holy well · Maínis · Galway · 7.0 km away
Tobar Muire
Ritual site - holy well · An Coillín · Galway · 8.0 km away
Tobar Ann
Ritual site - holy well · Béal An Daingin · Galway · 8.5 km away
Tobairín Naomh Anna
Ritual site - holy well · Tír An Fhia · Galway · 8.5 km away
Tobar Mhuire
Ritual site - holy well · Cladhnach · Galway · 12 km away
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Around Tobar Muire
Recorded within 5 km
- 5 holy wellsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 3 ringfortsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 ancient churchArchaeological Survey of Ireland
Walks and trails
- Lúibín Cnoc an ChoillínWalking Trail · 2.7 km · nearest point 6.6 km
- Bealach Siúlóidí Leitir Mealláin - Yellow Trail FoirnisWalking Trail · 3.1 km · nearest point 7.6 km
- Bealach Siúlóidí Leitir Mealláin - Blue Trail Bóthar na SopWalking Trail · 4.5 km · nearest point 7.9 km
Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- Trá Chaladh Fínis, CarnaBeaches · 3.2 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- An Trá Mór, Gorumna IslandBeaches · 8.9 km
- Derryclare Nature ReserveNature reserves · 19 km
Other attractions nearby
- Droichead Charraig an Logáin (Carrickalegaun Bridge)Island · 6.2 km
- Lettermullen & Garumna Heritage CentreMuseums and Attraction · 7.9 km
- Trá an Dóilín, An Ceathrú RuaBeach · 10 km
- Atlantic Scuba AdventuresNature and Wildlife · 11 km

