Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer
At a glance
- TypeRitual site - holy well
- Date or period mentioned1944
What to look for
- Offerings left
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 W side of a byroad close to a sea inlet called Loch na Leannach. Known locally as Tobar Muire, it consists of a small natural spring feeding into a natural rounded pothole (D c. 0.3m) at the foot of a tiny altar-like rock outcrop.
Full archaeological record 99 words
On W side of a byroad close to a sea inlet called Loch na Leannach. Known locally as Tobar Muire, it consists of a small natural spring feeding into a natural rounded pothole (D c. 0.3m) at the foot of a tiny altar-like rock outcrop. Some concrete is in evidence around the pothole and a lifesize statue of the Virgin, erected in 1944, stands over it. The well and statue are at S end of a small plot with neat paths. Mac Giollarnáth (1941, 36-7) gives the legend of the Virgin's appearance here in Famine times. (Robinson 1985, 47-8)
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
Mac Giollarnáth (1941, 36-7) gives the legend of the Virgin's appearance here in Famine times.
More holy wells nearby
Well of the Seven Daughters
Ritual site - holy well · Maínis · Galway · 3.4 km away
Tobar Muire
Ritual site - holy well · Cill Chiaráin · Galway · 3.7 km away
Tobar Muire
Ritual site - holy well · An Coillín · Galway · 4.9 km away
Tobairín Naomh Anna
Ritual site - holy well · Tír An Fhia · Galway · 11 km away
Tobar Ann
Ritual site - holy well · Béal An Daingin · Galway · 12 km away
Toberconnell
Ritual site - holy well · Cashel (Ballynahinch By.) · Galway · 13 km away
Visitors' notes
Badges are opinions of visitors - not verified facts. One vote per badge and visitor; no account needed.
Best time to visit
What's missing on this page?
Share a tip to find it
Share a local tradition or story
Suggest a correction
Suggest the right map location
Report a duplicate page
Ask a question
Do not include personal data. See our privacy notice.
Around Tobar Muire
Other heritage nearby
- St. MacDara's Island ChurchAncient church · 8.2 km
Recorded within 5 km
- 11 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 3.5 km
- Lúibín MhaíroisWalking Trail · 5.0 km · nearest point 6.9 km
- Bealach Siúlóidí Leitir Mealláin - Yellow Trail FoirnisWalking Trail · 3.1 km · nearest point 7.7 km
Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- Trá Chaladh Fínis, CarnaBeaches · 1.0 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- An Trá Mór, Gorumna IslandBeaches · 11 km
- Derryclare Nature ReserveNature reserves · 20 km
Other attractions nearby
- Lettermullen & Garumna Heritage CentreMuseums and Attraction · 8.2 km
- Droichead Charraig an Logáin (Carrickalegaun Bridge)Island · 9.4 km