Tobernalt Well
Photo: Bob Embleton · CC BY-SA 2.0
Ritual site - holy well

Tobernalt Well

Holy well in County Sligo, Ireland.

  • AccessNot confirmed
  • National MonumentNot recorded
  • DateNot stated
  • Folklore2 quotes
  • PhotoWikimedia Commons
Aghamore Near, Co. Sligo54.24395, -8.44620
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Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer

At a glance

  • TypeRitual site - holy well
  • Recorded sizeH 2.27m; wall T 0.5m

What to look for

  • Offerings left
  • Cross or cross-slab

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
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History and description

In a wooded area, beside a N-S flowing stream, on the S side of a steep wooded hill.This holy well is called 'Tobernalt'. It is enclosed within a circular setting (diam. 2.15) defined by a stone wall (H 2.27m; wall T 0.5m), which has an entrance to the SE (Wth 0.63m).

Full archaeological record 210 words

In a wooded area, beside a N-S flowing stream, on the S side of a steep wooded hill.This holy well is called 'Tobernalt'. It is enclosed within a circular setting (diam. 2.15) defined by a stone wall (H 2.27m; wall T 0.5m), which has an entrance to the SE (Wth 0.63m). The surrounding area has been landscaped. There is what is known locally as a 'Mass Rock' or altar (SL014-238002-) 5.5m to the SE of the well. Among plaques of modern date, affixed to the internal walls of the holy well, is a sandstone cross (H 0.43m; W 0.19m; T 0.06m), with a circular head. The site also contains statues and stations of the cross of modern date. A holly tree hung with votive offerings and rags stands on high ground to the NW of the holy well. Locally it is said that the mass rock was used to say mass in penal times and there has been a revival in recent years, with an annual mass being said by the Bishop of Elphin at 6am on Garland Sunday (last Sunday in July). Though no cures were recorded, it is locally believed that the waters of the stream cure blindness. The holy well is very well attended at all times.

Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Compiled by Patrick F. O'Donovan · Updated 21 April 2011. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.

Folklore and traditions

A holly tree hung with votive offerings and rags stands on high ground to the NW of the holy well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Though no cures were recorded, it is locally believed that the waters of the stream cure blindness.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact

More holy wells nearby

Also recorded nearby

Named sites within 5 km with only a short entry in the Archaeological Survey.

  • CarrowmoreMegalithic tomb - passage tomb · Carrowmore (Carbury By.) · 4.6 km · official record

    See linked document This is a National Monument in State care (No. 153).

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      Around Tobernalt Well

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      Recorded within 5 km

      Walks and trails

      • The North West Trail CyclingRoad Cycling Trail · 213.1 km · nearest point 0.5 km
      • Hazelwood - Lady Ann's TrailWalking Trail · 6.1 km · nearest point 0.9 km
      • HazelwoodWalking Trail · 3.2 km · nearest point 0.9 km

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