Tobersraheen, Tobar Srathaín, The Well of the Little Stream, Ballybran





Townland: Ballybran, Ogonnelloe
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The well lies in a sloped grazing field near Saint Molua’s Church in Ogonnelloe, west of the R463. The well, as its name suggests, is part of a stream that emerges from some rocks in a dividing wall. There is a small opening with a lintel overhead to accommodate the flow.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
There are no longer any visitations to this holy well, nor does there appear to be a pattern day. There is no saint associated with the holy well.
Records from the Ordnance Survey Letters, 1839 note that:
‘There is a holy well called Tobar Sraithín, over which there is a white thorn tree ornamented with votive rags. Delicate children are brought to this well that they may be cured by its sacred powers’.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
There are some large trees, mostly ash, around the holy well. An old whitethorn which is present at the site may have been the original companion tree of the well.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The well site overlooks Lough Derg, with the holy island of Inis Cealtra clearly visible in the distance.
Additional Information
Ballybran usually translates as ‘Baile Briain’, the townland of Brian or possibly Bran, an older Irish name.
Discover More…
Ordnance Survey Letters, Royal Irish Academy
Ordnance Survey Letters, Ask About Ireland
Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL029-027
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