Tobernafiaghtana, Tobar Fiachtna, Termon
Townland: Termon, Carran
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The well is set on the western side of the Terrmon-Coisceim road, heading north-west. It is less than one kilometre from the turnoff to the Burren Perfumery. The well takes the form of a bullaun, a natural depression in the limestone which collects rainwater. Behind the well is a cairn or mound of stones with a shelf for votive offerings. To the right of the well is a gnarled thorn tree, usually covered in rags or ‘clooties’. There are several stone cairn penitential stations to the south of the well. Pilgrims move around these while praying.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
An old sign here pointing towards the well reads ‘Saint Fiachtnan’s’. The well is dedicated to Saint Fiachtna, or Fiachtnan, whose feast day is 14th August. There does not appear to be a communal day at the well, only individual pilgrims. Formal visitation practices may have ceased in the 1950s.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The well lies in within the Burren Landscape. There are limestone pavements, bushes, ragged thorn trees and rushes in the immediate area.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The area around the holy well is rich in archaeological monuments. A Burren map is helpful when exploring the landscape.
Additional information
Carran Village, home of Michael Cusack, the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), is five minutes from the holy well site. The nearby Burren Perfumery, which uses local wild flora to produce cosmetics, is also nearby.
Discover More…
Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL010-02601
No Comments
Add a comment about this page