Glannagalt Valley holy wells, Kerry

Glannagalt Valley / Gleann na nGealt

Scrallaghbeg well and Doonore South well

Tobernagalt north well

Gleann na nGealt, Glen of the Mad or Valley of the Lunatics, runs in a roughly north-south direction through the Foilatrisnig, Scrallabeg, Glannagalt, Doonore North and Doonore South Townlands. They are situated approximately two kilometres west of Camp, on the Dingle peninsula. For centuries it was believed the two wells situated in the valley offered a cure for madness. Madmen would come to the valley to drink the water, or eat the cress that grew in abundance around the wells. Higher levels of the chemical lithium, which is used to cure some mental disorders, have been found in the waters here in the valley. Tobernagalt/Tobar na nGealt, Well of the lunatics is situated in Scrallaghbeg Townland, close to Cloghnagalt/ Cloch na nGealt, 'Stone of the Mad' bullaun stone. It is a natural spring well hidden in dense woodland. The trees around the well are adorned with various votive offerings. To get to the well you have to cross over a stream via a ford known as Ath na Gealtan meaning 'Fools Crossing'.

Glannagalt Valley / Gleann na nGealt Scrallaghbeg well and Doonore South well Tobernagalt north well Gleann na nGealt, Glen of the Mad or Valley of the Lunatics, runs in a roughly north-south direction through the Foilatrisnig, Scrallabeg, Glannagalt, Doonore North and Doonore South Townlands. They are situated approximately two kilometres west of Camp, on the Dingle peninsula. For centuries it was believed the two wells situated in the valley offered a cure for madness. Madmen would come to the valley to drink the water, or eat the cress that grew in abundance around the wells. Higher levels of the chemical lithium, which is used to cure some mental disorders, have been found in the waters here in the valley. Tobernagalt/Tobar na nGealt, Well of the lunatics is situated in Scrallaghbeg Townland, close to Cloghnagalt/ Cloch na nGealt, 'Stone of the Mad' bullaun stone. It is a natural spring well hidden in dense woodland. The trees around the well are adorned with various votive offerings. To get to the well you have to cross over a stream via a ford known as Ath na Gealtan meaning 'Fools Crossing'.
Situated: Tobernagalt North, is located in Scrallaghbeg Townland in the Glannagalt Valley. Discovery Map 71: Q 6717 0834. Last visit June 2021. Longitude: 9° 56' 38.9" W Latitude: 52° 12' 40.1" N Google Map Photos: José Gutiérrez.
Tobernagalt south well The second well, also named Tobernagalt is also hidden under some trees. It too is a natural spring, located on farmland in Doonore South townland, this well is much harder to find, and as a result we did not find any votive offerings here. It is situated approximately 350 metres WNW of the Glannagalt cross slab.
Situated: Tobernagalt South, is located in Doonore South Townland also in the Glannagalt Valley. Discovery Map 71: Q 6764 0747. Last visit June 2021. Longitude: 9° 56' 13.1" W Latitude: 52° 12' 12.4" N Google Map Photos: José Gutiérrez.
Ref and websites: Holy Wells of Cork and Kerry Amanda Clarke's amazing website westkerry.com A blog from the landowner, Brigid O'Connor