Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Annotated 'Holy Well' on 1863 ed. OSi 25-inch map, this well in the parish of Crumlin was formerly situated in a Green off Walkinstown Crescent. Known as 'Toberacreena' it was regarded as a holy well. Holy well described by Ua Broin (1942, 109-10) as follows; 'Tobaracreena in the townland of Wilkinstown (locally known as Walkinstown) is but a short distance from Knockgortagh. Knowledge of its having formerly been regarded as a holy well has all but vanished, as has also its name; there being many indeed amongst those living quite near it who are unaware of its presence. It is variously called Tobaracreena, Tobarcreena, and Tobarmocreena by the few who have heard its ancient name. The practice of paying visits to it for prayer and for relief by persons suffering from eye troubles would seem to have been vigorous 80 or 90 years ago judging by references to it heard 60 years ago or thereabouts when the practice to some extent persisted. There are still living a few who remember seeing pieces of rag, buttons, etc., attached to the bush overhanging the well'. Today there are no surface remains visible.

Compiled by: Geraldine Stout

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 20 April 2023

References

Ua Broin, L. 1942 Traditions of Drimnagh, Co. Dublin and its neighbourhood. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 74, 191-218.