Toberagee, Tobar an Ghuí, The Well of Praying, Cragboy

James Feeney

Toberagee, Tobar an Ghuí, The Well of Praying, Cragboy

James Feeney

Townland: Cragboy or Cragbwee, Dangan, Quin

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This holy well stands in the southern end of a very large field which appears to have been reclaimed in recent years. There is strong tree growth around the well. The well is a natural spring which emerges from limestone bedrock. A small stream flows from the source to a land-drain a few metres away. The well floor is about two metres below the ground and may have been fashioned this way in the past. The upper level has a low, roughly constructed wall.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

There is no specific saint or patron day associated with the well. Toberagee means the ‘Well of Praying’. The name of the well incorporates the verb ‘praying’ rather than the noun ‘prayer’.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

Several types of tree grow around the well including blackthorn, ash and alder. In the field beside the well, two venerable oak trees grow, but are struggling possibly due to a lack of water. There was an impressive growth of watercress at the edge of the stream at the time of the research visit. This plant was once used for all types of medical applications.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The well is close to the village of Quin, which offers a range of good restaurants and pubs, as well as several cultural attractions. These include Quin Franciscan Abbey, Saint Finghín’s Church, the inauguration mound at Magh Adhair and Knappogue Castle.