Location:
Why is it a place of pilgrimage?
Over thousands of years dating back to the early Irish writings, there is reference to people coming to Tobar na nGealt for the cure. The water in Tobar na nGealt is reputed to have a cure for madness. It is believed that people heard about the cure through word of mouth, though a local man, the late father Tom Batt O’Connor would say that they came by instinct. In ancient times it is recorded that the King of France was cured when he lost his sanity at the Battle of Ventry Harbour and drank the water from the well on his way home. There is no record of any cures in recent times.
There is no Saint associated with the well that we know of, though again locally it is said there was a Saint called Silver Hugh mentioned at one time. There are no rituals associated with the well. However in the past few years people are leaving objects behind, sometimes rosary beads tied to the trees. It is a very quiet place and indeed there must be a healing in the peace and tranquility around the well.
Fr. Brendan Walsh blessed the well and he also said Mass there about 35 years ago. It is felt locally that people do go away happier and more peaceful after a visit to the well.
In July, 2012 a chemical analysis was carried out on the water and there was found to be 55.6mgs of the chemical Lithium, ppb in the water. This was much higher than the Lithium recorded in water analyses taken from other areas in the valley of Gleann na nGealt and in the Dingle Peninsula at the time.
People still come and drink the water and some take containers of water home to family members who are suffering from mental health issues. There is no set day or time to come to the well. People visit all the year round.
