The holy well and stream
The spring rises from beneath a cliff face in a wooded grove, and its waters are credited with cures. It was christianised in the 5th century from an older pagan Lughnasa meeting place.
Tobernalt Holy Well
4.8 (309)
See all
See all
About
A natural spring issuing from beneath a wooded cliff near Lough Gill, Tobernalt has drawn pilgrims since early Christian times and is still a working place of prayer — free, and open day and night.
Things to Do
Shrines and the penal altar
A stone altar cut beside the stream was used for secret Masses during penal times. Around it stand a replica penal cross and shrines to Our Lady of Lourdes, St Anne and the Crucifixion.
Shrine to St Carlo Acutis
A newer shrine honours Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager canonised in 2025, whose life the parish offers as an example to younger visitors.
Garland Sunday pilgrimage
The year's focus is the last Sunday of July, when Masses are celebrated at the well; the 2026 celebrations run from 24 to 26 July, themed 'Hope – Looking for New Light'.
Woodland path through the glen
A short level path leads from the roadside into the dell, following a fast-flowing stream past the prayer stations. There are no steep climbs and the entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Rosary Rock and the rag tree
The Rosary Rock is one of the main stopping points, and the rag tree carries rags, clooties and rosary beads tied on by visitors — a pagan custom folded into Christian practice.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Daylight visits are recommended as the site has no public lighting.
- Admission: Free to visit; there is no admission charge
- Parking: Free parking area a short distance from the road, at the entrance to the glade; the parking and entrance are wheelchair accessible.
Watch More
See it on the map
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
