Name of Pilgrimage Site: Wether’s Well (Tobar na Molt) in the townland of Tubrid, Ardfert
Why is it a place of pilgrimage?
Wether’s Well is said to be the site of the baptism of St. Brendan. There is a chapel on site and the spring/holy well is located on the left side of the chapel as you approach it. The well itself is enclosed by an oval shaped fence. There is a stone altar that holds three figures, although the figures do not have clear faces as pilgrims have scratched crosses onto them over the years. The well itself is fed from groundwater and a pipe has been installed so the water can run through it for the pilgrims to complete their rounds. [Talbot-Crosbie, Bligh. “Tobar na Molt.” Kerry Archeological Magazine, October 2011]
Further Information, prayers or rituals associated with the site:
The feast day of St Brendan is May 16. Pilgrims circle the well clockwise, while reciting the rosary. Water is then sipped from the well. Cures have been attributed to the site, but none have been confirmed. The altar in the chapel is regularly covered with votive offerings such as images, beads, containers to hold rain water, pencils, buttons, and pins.
