Well of the Cold Spring, Tobernanore, Sheep’s Head

Clearly signed from the road (look out for the Ancient monument symbol on the gate) this well lies in a magnificent position with views out over rich pasture towards Dunmanus Bay.

The site feels remote and open, yet the well is hidden and tucked into the landscape. The first time I came here, it was difficult to find – just a scattering of stones and a muddy puddle.

The next time I came the stones had been tidied up and an attempt made to define the well.

More recently the site has been restored – the well encircled by a chunky stone wall complete with gate. 

The well is now a square stone trough, above it a neat stone wall with little niches.

Bits and bobs found during the restoration have been left in the the cracks of the masonry.

Perhaps a bit too manicured but time will weather it and at least it now has protection from cattle and some recognition.

Tobernanore means well of the cold spring and the water is excellent – fresh and cold – a handy saucepan is in one of the niches should you be feeling very thirsty.

Apparently the water was used to cure warts and other skin ailments. I suspect this is also the well referred to in this rather strange extract from the Schools’ Folklore Collection:

There are many Holy Wells in Kilcrohane and it is from these Holy Wells it derives its name – The Holy Ground.One of these Holy Wells is in Cahir near where my Grandmother was born. It is called Tobar na Cupoige because of the number of “cupogs” which grow near it and it is supposed to be a great well for curing blasts. My Grandmother told me that when she was very small some men who were working in a mine were staying at her house. As they had not sufficient beds her mother had to sleep in a couch in the kitchen. When they awoke in the morning her eyes, nose, and mouth were turned back to her ear and she was scarcely able to speak. They sent for the priest who came and anointed her. The priest said that she had got a bad “clout” while asleep and that she would never get better or even if she did her face would remain as it then was. Nevertheless she did not give up hope and when she was able to walk she went to the Holy Well. After about an hour her husband went to look for her as not being able to see very well he thought she had probably gone astray. He found her at the well asleep and knowing that she would be cured – as anyone who would be cured would fall asleep at the well while praying – he woke her and next morning when she awoke she was cured.

SFC:228:0289

I believe cupogs are dock leaves. Thomas Crofton Croker describes a clout as:

… a large round tumour, which is thought to rise suddenly from the baneful breath cast upon it by one of the good people in a moment of vindictive or capricious malice.

Crofton Croker, Fairy Legends, 1828

The description sounds much like what might be called a stroke today – also sometimes attributed to the good people. A potent well nevertheless.

The Irish Tourism Association Survey (ITA) describes how rounds were still being paid here in the 1940s and gives an alternative name: Toberourawn or the Singing Well. Infuriatingly, no further information was forthcoming.

The location of this holy well can be found in the Gazetteer.