Toberaburran, Ballyvergin
Townland: Ballyvergin, Clooney
The townland name may be translated to ‘Baile Mheirgín’ which would refer to a plentiful flow of water.
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
This well is located in a slightly low damp area at the rear of a private house. This well has a powerful flow of water, converted for domestic use with the help of a small pump house beside the tank. There is nothing at the site to indicate that this was a holy well and there is no remaining memory of visits to the well in the past. It is possible that its fame may have rested on both the quantity and quality of the water coming from the spring. A reliable, all year round source of potable water was something to be cherished and this well might be an example of one.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
‘Toberburan’ might translate as ‘The Well (in a) Rocky Area’. This name suits the land around the well as it lies in a craggy area, with low sections of limestone around.
James Frost names the well as Toberburan in his ‘History and Topography of the County of Clare’ in 1893, but makes no mention of dedications or pilgrimages to the well.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The site where the well lies is uneven with plenty of ‘fionán’ grass or purple moor grass and some rushes around. There are some scattered medium-sized trees about. The flow of the well is strong and appears to be very good quality water.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The townland of Ballyvergin is a few kilometres from Spancil Hill Village, site of an annual horse fair and subject of the famous 19th century ballad ‘The Cross at Spancilhill’. There are four standing stones behind the primary school opposite the well site. These stones are called ‘Na Fir Breaga’ and are associated with the folklore of Saint Mochulla.
Discover More…
Frost, J 1893, The History and Topography of the County of Clare: From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the 18th Century, Sealy, Bryers & Walker, Dublin
Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL034-031
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