Tobersheefra, Tobar Síobhra or Tobar Síofra, The Fairy's Well, Kilfiddane

Tobersheefra, Kilfiddane, Moyfadda

James Feeney

James Feeney

Tobersheefra, Tobar Síobhra or Tobar Síofra, The Fairy's Well, Kilfiddane

James Feeney

Tobersheefra, Tobar Síobhra or Tobar Síofra, The Fairy's Well, Kilfiddane

Townland: Kilfiddane, Moyfadda

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This holy well was recently rediscovered near the south-west corner of the disused Kilfiddane Church, at the rear of the graveyard. No traces of offerings or associated stones were found. The well was largely forgotten until local investigation uncovered the forgotten well. This is one of several ‘folk’ wells in Clare, that were generally displaced and are only now being rediscovered.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

This is a ‘folk’ or ‘fairy’ well that seems to have continued in use after the introduction of Christianity. Its location close to the 14th-15th century church suggests some acceptance of the well in the past.

T.J. Westropp wrote about the well in ‘A Foklore Survey of the County of Clare’:
‘Fairies haunted the well of Tobersheefra, while even at the holy well of the powerful and vengeful St. Mochulla at Fortanne milk was once offered to them’.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

The well is located in a graveyard. There are no large trees at the site. There are some medium sized alder and ash in the area.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The River Shannon and the islands of the Shannon/Fergus estuary are within a fifteen minute drive of the well site. The villages of Labasheeda and Kiladysert are nearby.