Toberea, Tobar Aodh, Saint Hugh's Well, Clondagad

James Feeney

James Feeney

Toberea, Tobar Aodh, Saint Hugh's Well, Clondagad

James Feeney

Toberea, Tobar Aodh, Saint Hugh's Well, Clondagad

James Feeney

Toberea, Tobar Aodh, Saint Hugh's Well, Clondagad

James Feeney

Townland: Lisheen, Clondagad, Killea Graveyard

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

The well lies to the rear of Killea Cemetery. There is a sign indicating the cemetery on the R473 road. Once forgotten, much work has been done to restore the well in recent years. Some large trees were removed. Three still stand, though they are well trimmed back. A new Marian Shrine has been created at the site. To its left, a stone well house and gate protect the well. There was a small volume of clear fresh water in the spring.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

There is no tradition of pilgrims visiting this well on a regular basis.
In ‘The Holy Wells of Ballynacally and Lissycasey’, Mary Hester recalls that:
‘A lady who grew up in the area remembers visiting this well every Sunday in her youth. She also mentions a cure for sore eyes.’
Where devotion to Aodh or Hugh continues elsewhere, the feast day is 8th March.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

The site is largely cleared. Other than the mature trees immediately in front of the well, there is no other foliage here.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

Driving west offers fine views of the Shannon and Fergus Estuaries and their islands.

Additional Information

Irish Folklore Collection, Schools’ Collection, 1930s:

‘In this Well is an eel. If people with sore eyes, visited it, did a “round”, teemed the well, took up the eel with a silk handkerchief and rubbed it to their eyes it is supposed to cure them’.