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Ritual site - holy well

Toberneeva

Holy well in Castlearmstrong, County Offaly, Ireland.

  • AccessNot confirmed
  • National MonumentNot recorded
  • DateNot stated
  • Folklore1 quote
  • PhotoWanted
Castlearmstrong, Co. Offaly53.32108, -7.73101
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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 size 1.7m x 0.76m x 0.5m

What to look for

  • Stone surround
  • Offerings left
  • Steps down

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

Holy well known locally as 'St. Bridget's Well' and depicted as 'Toberneeva' on all editions of the OS 6-inch maps. The well stands on the demesne lands of Castle Armstrong.

Full archaeological record 185 words

Holy well known locally as 'St. Bridget's Well' and depicted as 'Toberneeva' on all editions of the OS 6-inch maps. The well stands on the demesne lands of Castle Armstrong. The castle and later demesne house of Castle Armstrong stands 240m to SSW. Natural spring well (dims. 1.7m x 0.76m x 0.5m) inside square-shaped area enclosed by a stone wall with iron gate. The well which was originally stone lined has stone steps leading down to the water. A modern lintel over the well has the words 'St Bridget's Well' carved into its surface. Hazel and hawthorn tress now growing around the edge of the well with evidence of votive offerings. Described in 1977 as a 'sub-circular hollow approx. 1.5-2m deep with a small spring at the base. The northern face of the embankment or scarp above the well is roughly faced with dry stone walling. There is a small stream flowing southwards from the well. This stream is approx. 4m long and dissappears underground to emerge in the field drain further south. An ivy covered alder bush hangs over the well' (ASI file 1977).

References

  • Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien
  • Date of revised upload: 24 June 2015

Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Based on the Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.

Folklore and traditions

Hazel and hawthorn tress now growing around the edge of the well with evidence of votive offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact

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      Around Toberneeva

      Other heritage nearby

      Recorded within 5 km

      Walks and trails

      • Pilgrim's Road to ClonmacnoiseRoad Cycling Trail · 24.4 km · nearest point 0.6 km
      • Offaly WayLong Distance Waymarked Way · 40.5 km · nearest point 3.3 km
      • Lough Boora - Turraun Walking TrailWalking Trail · 14.7 km · nearest point 7.5 km

      Outdoors, towns and places to stay

      • Durrow AbbeyForests · 13 km
      • Clara Bog Nature ReserveNature reserves · 7.1 km
      • Mongan Bog Nature ReserveNature reserves · 15 km

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