Toberineenboy, Tobar Inghean Baoith, Caherbannagh

Townland: Caherbannagh, Killnamona

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This holy well lies east of the local Soheen road as it leads to the L422 through Caherbannagh townland. The remains of Magowna Catle are immediately on the east, or left hand side, of the road.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

Inneenboy was a 6th century saint who enjoyed a huge following in the past. Her well in Cahrbannagh is now largely forgotten with few if any pilgrims visiting. There appears to be few visitors, though a local informant who pointed the well out makes an occasional visit.

Natural Heritage aroudn the Holy Well

The well is removed from any local houses. It stands on the slope of a hillock and close to a small wood of mixed tree types. The well is incorporated into a tree here that gives it a very old and natural feel.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The holy well is a short distance from the monastic site of Dysert o’ Dea, which includes a church with a Romanesque doorway, a 12th century high cross, a holy well and the remains of a round tower.

Additional Information

T.J Westropp wrote about the saint associated with this well, Inneenboy or Inghean Baoith. She may have been daughter of Mobaoi, of Cluan Fhionnabhair (Clooney of Kilfenora) who has his feastday on December 14th. His mother was of Loop Head. A certain “Columb inghen Buiti,” March 23rd, is mentioned. Ethne and Sodelb, daughters of Baoith, founded Donabate Church, in county Dublin.

‘3 forts and a spring well called Toberinneenboy…Also another fort called Caherbannagh…A remarkable crag in this townland is called Cragluskaha…and the ruins of a castle called Magowna Castle’ Description Remembered, Ordnance Survey Letters, 1839