Penitential station

The National Monuments Service's description

This is marked on the 1841-42 and 1898 OS maps as 'Tobernamolt' (Tobar na Molt - well of the wethers).

Situation and Description: This well is approached by a path through the fields. This site consists of a small rectangular enclosure (KE021-115001-) which surrounds the well's small clear pool. There is a small building and an altar with a slab depicting three figures: St Brendan, St Erc and St Ita. The site is the reputed burial place of St Ita (KE021-115005-)

Rounds/Offerings: The well is visited on the Saturdays before May Day, 24 June and 29 September. Three rounds of three rosaries are recited: the first around the 'grave', the second around the well and 'altar', and the third around the well, 'grave' and 'Altar' (KE021-115003-). The water is said to cure all ailments, whether drunk, bathed in or taken away.
Legends: (a) The well sprang up at the prayer of St Ita. (b) St Ita is buried in the 'grave', (c) When St Erc baptised St Brendan at the well, he was presented with three wethers, hence the name, (d) Mass was said at the 'altar' in penal times, (e) A Protestant landlord carried away the stone to Oakpark, Tralee; it was miraculously restored to the well.

The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 914. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 3 August 2013