Tobercrony, Tobar Chróine, Lisheencrony
Townland: Lisheencrony, Moyarta
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The well lies in a field to the west of the old Kilcrony Church on the south side of the road. It is marked by bushes and some stones. The well is a spring and has a stone-lined wall. There are a few short steps leading to the well. It is one of a few wells in Clare where there is a trough beside the formal well to supply water to the animals in the field. The use of a trough was to acknowledge the sacred nature of the waters of the holy well and to avoid causing offence through inappropriate use of the waters.
Saint and Feast Day associated with Holy Well
Saint Cróine was thought to be the sister of Saint Criódán of Kilcreadane and of Cuan, making her late a 5th or early 6th century saint. Her feast day is uncertain, but dates in January and September are sometimes quoted. The well is said to help those suffering from sore throats.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The field is a grazing meadow for animals with the regular hedge trees and bushes along the sides. At the south end of the field is the shoreline of the Shannon Estuary.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The fishing village of Carrigaholt is 2-3 miles west of the holy well site. Here is a fine pier and the remains of the McMahon Tower House. The shingle beach beside the village is beautiful on a fine day.
Additional Information
James Frost, ‘The History and Topography of the County of Clare’, 1893:
‘The townland of Lisheencrony contains the remains of the church of Kilcrony, with its graveyard and holy well.’
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-CL065-05603
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