Tobernamanaulin, Tobar na mBan Álainn, The Well of the Fair Women, Magowna

Tobernamanaulin

James Feeney

Tobernamanaulin

James Feeney

Townland: Magowna, Kilnamona Parish

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

The most intriguing part of this well is its name. The well site is indicated as being inside the hedge off the Magowna West Road. The well is at the edge of a grazing field in a now very overgrown hollow. It seems to form part of a small stream here.
The 1842 map shows an avenue entering the field in the immediate area of the well. The avenue no longer exists. Perhaps the principal well location was lost at the same time.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

The name Tobernamanaulin or ‘The Well of the Lovely Women’ may suggest the presence of a nunnery or group of female clerics in the area in the past. There is also a tower house in the vicinity. Perhaps there is a connection.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

There is a mixture of shrubs and trees at the well site including alder and ash. The site is tucked in behind a copse of trees at the edge of a grazing field.