- Tobernalt became a secluded refuge for the celebration of Mass in the early years of the eighteenth century when the penal laws were applied most harshly.
- It was to Tobernalt the people flocked from the surrounding neighbourhood when news spread by word of mouth that the Priest was expected. Priests were hunted with a price on their heads; they travelled in disguise through the country from one Mass rock to the next
- The history of Tobernalt Holy Well predates the advent of Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. It is a natural spring well that established itself in a primeval forest. When the Celts settled, Tobernalt quickly became the main area where the festival of Lughanasa, the harvest festival, was celebrated.
- Historically, 1921 was the year when the first mass was celebrated at Tobernalt since penal times. With the exception of 1922, when mass was cancelled due to activities associated with the Civil War in the area, mass has been celebrated on every Garland Sunday since 1921.
Distance from St Angela’s: 13.3 km
Link: http://www.holywellsligo.com/index.html
