Vandalism at Tobernalt historic holy well in Sligo

Over the weekend, a sinister act of vandalism targeted Tobernalt holy well, a historic place of pilgrimage in Co. Sligo, igniting widespread outrage amid a troubling pattern of similar crimes at this site.

During the bank holiday weekend, a malicious act of vandalism marred the peaceful site of the historic holy well of Tobernalt on the western bank of Lough Gill not far from Sligo town.

Extensive damage has been reported, including damage to the old wrought iron railings, possibly using an angle grinder or similar tool. A piece of the altar was also cut off, modern signs were damaged, and donation boxes and their contents were forcibly removed .Gardaí have been notified of the incident.

The railings were installed in the 1950s and the donation boxes were old as well. Any donations received are put towards the upkeep of the site.

Fr Jim Murray, local parish priest of St John’s parish, Carraroe, described the act as “vicious” during an interview with Ocean FM. He expressed grave concern over the ongoing nature of the crime, highlighting at least three recent incidents of vandalism at this sacred site. The priest added, “The person hasn’t been caught”.

Tobernalt, a site of enduring popularity and devotion, draws regular visitors year-round. Not surprisingly then, this news has sparked outrage among locals, who have taken to social media to express their anger. One individual commented on Facebook:

“Absolutely disgraceful to see this type of vandalism in a tranquil, peaceful place where people of all ages come to be alone with their thoughts and find comfort.”

Fr Murray urged visitors to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious activity in the area to the gardaí. However, efforts to address security vulnerabilities at the site are underway, with plans for surveillance measures being considered. Some locals have indicated their desire to provide financial support for the installation of CCTVs.

Tobernalt holy well is located beside a stream in a wooded area. This act of senseless destruction comes as volunteers have been busy carrying out clearance works at the site to address recent storm-related damage, including fallen trees.

History of Tobernalt holy well

Tobernalt is dedicated to St Patrick, who is traditionally believed to have visited the well. Enclosed within a circular setting defined by a stone wall, the well is believed to possess healing properties. Historical accounts indicate that the well water was used to protect against cholera during the Sligo epidemic of the early 19th century. The water is still sought after for its reputed power to alleviate eye complaints, mental health disorders and back pain.

Adjacent to the well is a structure locally referred to as a mass rock or altar. Historical accounts state that it was used during penal times for saying Mass. It features worn indentations, which have traditionally been interpreted as St Patrick’s fingerprints, and modern-day pilgrims are still drawn to reverently touch them.

>>> READ MORE: Franciscan friar rescued by locals in penal era Roscommon

In 1882, antiquary and artist William Wakeman captured the site in a painting depicting pilgrims visiting the altar and holy well. Accounts suggest that towards the end of the 19th century, the Sisters of Mercy built another altar on the site using stones collected from the shores of Lough Gill, while the site underwent further alterations in 1921 thanks to the efforts of the local community and Fr Divine of Carraroe.

The well continued as a popular place of veneration among locals into the 20th century, especially on its annual pilgrimage or “pattern” day, which takes place on Garland Sunday – the last Sunday in July. Recorded in the late 1930s in the Schools’ Folklore Collection is a description of the pattern at Tobernalt by local man James Travers, aged about 84:

“There is an annual pilgrimage to this well on Garland Sunday. On that morning Mass is still offered at the well. Thousands flock from all over Ireland to this Mass and during the whole day stations are performed by people disabled or in bad health. Many people are said to have been cured from diseases pronounced uncurable by doctors. It is even reported that visions were seen at it.”

Regarding these apparitions, Mrs Anne Keavney, a 74-year-old local woman, who was also recorded in this collection in the late 1930s, commented: “Our Blessed Lady was seen” at the well. She also detailed the festivities on pattern day:

“There is always Mass on the last Sunday of July at eight o’clock. At this holy well there are crowds of people receiving on that morning … The train goes from Dromahair at one o’clock and brings people to the holy well. The children from [the] convent in Sligo sing at it. Sometime ago [there] used to be bands at this holy well. There are a lot of games played at it. On that day people can get tea in the field. Lough Gill is beside the holy well. On that day boats are coming and going.”

Beezie Gallagher, the last inhabitant of Lough Gill, is also remembered for her devout visits to the holy well.

>>> READ MORE: The “Lady of the Lake”: Beezie and her island

The destructive force of Hurricane Debbie in 1961 left its mark on Tobernalt, felling two large trees and necessitating extensive restoration work. Subsequent landscaping efforts included the addition of stone steps, paths, a small bridge, shrines, statues and stations of the cross.

Another feature of the site today is the rag tree, standing near the holy well, adorned with pieces of cloth and rosary beads. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of outdoor Masses at the site, particularly on Garland Sunday.

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