Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Holy well described by O'Hare (2000, 67-8) as; 'The OSNB (1841 Molahiffe) refers to the presence of a blessed well" called Tobberuan (from Tobar Ruadhain or St Rodanus's Well') in the northern portion of the townland of Dromore. It appears that some confusion may have occurred between this townland and the townland of Gurteenroe immediately to the west, for the site of the well is identified locally as having been located in Gurteenroe townland, close to a circular enclosure and possible former Mass site. The OSNB (1841 Molahiffe 1 36) records that the well, from which flowed a small stream, was about 10 links (c. 2m) in diameter. It also refers to a stone trough "of great antiquity in the well: It is cut in the form of a round basin [KE048-117001-] about 12" (0.3m) diameter and 6" (0.15m) deep. There are rounds or stations performed here on Good Friday by the inhabitants. The area has now been drained, however a spring is still visible bubbling to the surface. The water forms a steam which flows north along the north-south field fence which lies immediately to the north of the spring. The undulating land is under pasture.

Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork.

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 29 April 2022

References

O'Hare, P. 2000 Holy wells and other sites of pilgrimage within a portion of East Kerry. Journal of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society 29, 55-98.

OSNB - Ordnance Survey Name Books. Pro-forma books arranged by Civil Parish for recording townland and other name-forms and compiled in the course of the OS 6-inch survey 1824-1841. The name books also include minor names and incidental references to antiquities. National Archives of Ireland.