Tobermurry, Saint Mary's Well, Killernan
Townland: Killernan (Cill Earnáin), Kilmurry-Ibrickan
The townland of Killernan and church are remembered for Earnáin, a colleague of Colum Cille.
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The well is located within Kilmurry-Ibrickan, a parish dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are two holy wells lying in close proximity to each other in the townland. Beside them lie Killernan Church and its associated graveyard. The graveyard is largely out of use, apart from one or two family burials carried out in recent decades.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
As a Marian well, Tobermurry was most likely visited on 15th August, the Feast of the Assumption and a popular day for visiting holy wells.
Donal de Barra, in ‘Killernan Graveyard’, 2007 writes that:
‘Rounds’ were performed at the former well (Saint Mary’s) on the 8th September, 25th March and on the 15th August and many miraculous cures were attributed to it.’
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The area in which the well stood is now rough terrain. However the well and its grotto are still maintained.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
Continuing west will take the visitor to Milltown Malbay and the west coast of Clare.
Additional Information
James Frost, ‘The History and Topography of the County of Clare’, 1893:
‘Its church (the old church, Killernan) is in a ruinous condition, although like all churches dedicated in Ireland to the Holy Virgin, it of comparatively modern date. At a little distance is a well under the patronage of our Blessed Lady, no longer the resort of devotees.’
Discover More…
Donal De Barra, Killernan Graveyard, January 2007
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
CL031-02602
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