Toberoonagh, Tobar Oonagh, Kilmaley
Townland: Kilmaley Townland, Kilmaley
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The well sits within in an island of mature trees at the centre of a large grazing field. It is east of the old Kilmaley Church and graveyard. There is a stone shelf over the well and cup sitting there for use by pilgrims.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
This well is dedicated to Saint Oonagh. While this is a well known first name in Ireland, there are no Saint Oonaghs of note and there seems to be no Oonagh in the Dictionary of Saints. In this instance Oonagh may have been a daughter of a local túath or tribe, but this is speculative. Winifred is said to be the Welsh equivalent of the name and is sometimes used in Ireland.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
There area around the well is mostly active farmland. There are about four large ash trees remaining around the holy well. At the time of the research visit the montbretia plants at the well were in bloom, offering a splash of colour.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The well is close to Kilmaley Village. There are a number of good coarse fishing lakes in the region.
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Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL041-002
Surveyed by Michael Houlihan
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