Tober Voydan, Tobar Bhaighdeáin or Bhiodán, Kilvoydan
Townland: Kilvoydan, Killinaboy
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
This well is located in the base of an ancient high cross and takes the form of a bullaun stone, a stone with a basin like depression which collects rainwater. A ‘vallum’ or circular wall surrounds the well site and this was recently renovated. The high cross base and a small stone crucifix sit within the circular wall and rainwater collected in the stone base of the cross constitutes the holy well.
The holy well was said to offer a cure for warts. It is one of several ‘still water’ or rainwater wells in the county, all of which have a connection with cures for warts and skin conditions such as eczema.
A small companion tree on the same site was knocked down by a storm a few years ago. It has not been replaced.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
The well is dedicated to Saint Voydan or Saint Baighdean/Baodán of Kilvoydan.
Baighdean is a somewhat vague saint in the Corofin area though he also has some associations with Crusheen. A ‘Baideán’ appears in the genealogies of the Cinéal Baoith, a clan living in mid-Clare in the first millennium AD. Baodán was originally a saint associated with County Galway.
A sign at the well explains how to complete the pilgrimage at the site:
‘Visit on three days – Monday-Thursday- Monday. On approaching the well one Pater, one Ave and one Gloria is offered. On circling the well, offer three Paters, three Aves and three Gloria’s. Take some water with you to apply to the skin.’
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The well site, high cross and surrounding wall are located in a grazing field beside Lough Ateduan. A little east is a causeway, mostly submerged, that once connected two protruding shores. This was once a ‘mass path’ used by local worshippers.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The well stands on the site of what was once a medieval church, beside Lough Tedaun (or Lough Ateduan). The well area overlooks the lake, and the old graveyard which is still in use is just beside it.
The village of Corofin is five minutes from the holy well site. It offers food and refreshments. North of Corofin lies Kilfenora which is famous for its High Crosses, and beyond is the Burren.
Additional Information
Ordnance Survey Letters, 1839:
‘Part of Corrofin Village is situated in this townland, containing a Roman Catholic Chapel built in 1822, capable of accommodating 600 people. A church built in 1700, capable of containing 300…there is a holy well in this townland called Kilvoidaun Well, said to be famous for the cure of warts and sore eyes.’
Discover More…
Ordnance Survey Letters, Royal Irish Academy
Ordnance Survey Letters, Ask About Ireland
Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL017-11903 ( this refers to the ecclesiastical site).
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