Toberinneenboy, Tobar Iníon (Inghean) Baoith, Commons South, Killinaboy

James Feeney

James Feeney

Toberinneenboy, Tobar Iníon (Inghean) Baoith, Commons South, Killinaboy

James Feeney

Toberinneenboy, Commons South

Michael Houlihan

Townland: Commons South, Killinaboy

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This is one of two Inneenboy holy wells in the townland of Commons South. This holy well lies on a limestone pavement. Rather than being a freshwater spring, this well takes the form of a rainwater collector in a naturally hollowed-out limestone, known as a bullaun stone. The well is surrounded by a low circle of stones. There are some small statues and coins present.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

This well, like so many in Killinaboy parish and Mid-Clare, is dedicated to Inneenboy, a 6th century saint. Her title translates as ‘daughter of Baoith’. Baoith was the name of both the local king and the local tribe – Cineál Baoith. The saint’s own name was likely Fionnmhaith. Her feast day is listed in the Ordnance Survey records as 29th December.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

The area around the well is very typical of the Burren Landscape. It is a mixture of limestone pavements and scatted rocks, interspersed with hazel trees. The well is behind a curtain of hazel trees. The annual footfall to the site seems to have decreased, allowing reclamation of the site by hazel.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

This area lies in the heart of the South Burren. Mullaghmore Mountain and the hills of Sliabh Rua and Knockauns are roughly a mile away. This landscape is full of stories and archaeology.

Additional Information

Killinaboy is known as the old home of the tribe ‘Cineál Baoith’ and their favourite daughter or Iníon, from which the well takes its name.

Ordnance Survey Letters, 1839:

‘There is another Holy Well bearing the Patron Saint’s name about a mile east of the Church, at which Stations continue to be performed occasionally. The patron day is still observed as a Holy Day by several persons in this Parish, tho’ not enjoined by the Church.’.