Set where the Slieve Mish mountains roll down toward the Atlantic, Gleann na nGealt—the Valley of the Mad—is one of the most storied landscapes in Irish folklore. Revered for centuries as a natural place of healing and refuge, this ancient valley holds a central place in West Kerry’s oral tradition. Long before modern roads connected Camp to Annascaul, its secluded pass offered sanctuary, peace, and a profound sense of timelessness to travelers journeying west through the peninsula
The valley and its name
Gleann na nGealt is traditionally known as the “Valley of the Mad”. The name is bound up with stories of Tobar na nGealt, the well in the valley, and a longstanding belief in its healing waters. These traditions form part of the glen’s folklore and local identity.
Legends of the well
In the legends recorded in the original local account, Gall, a king of Ulster, finds healing after drinking from the well and eating the watercress growing in its waters. Another story tells of Bolcan, King of France, coming to the valley while fleeing the battle of Ventry Harbour.
The account also connects Gleann na nGealt with An Bhuile Shuibhne, the tale of Mad Sweeney, who is said to have found peace here during his wanderings. It recalls comparisons between Sweeney and Merlin, and a book, On the Trail of Merlin, that includes the glen among the places associated with Merlin’s travels.
Local memory: Tom Batt O’Connor
Tom Batt O’Connor, remembered in the original account as having “passed on to his eternal reward”, said that people came to the glen by instinct. His recollections sit alongside the older tales of people arriving in distress and finding peace in the valley.
The Mad Stone
Near the well is a stone with a deep hollow in its centre, known locally as the Mad Stone. Legend tells of a woman who milked her cow onto the stone to provide for those who came during the night.
A nearby river crossing is called Ath na Gealtan, given in the original account as “the fools crossing”. The stone, well and crossing keep these stories anchored in the landscape.
The well in the local archive
The original article reports that water testing in July 2012 found lithium at 55.6 parts per billion at Tobar na nGealt, a higher reading than in other local samples. It names Tralee scientist Dr Henry Lyons and local resident Dr Paidi O Domhnaill as carrying out the testing.
The account records that Sibeal Teoranta produced a documentary featuring the findings and the well’s traditions, broadcast in the TG4 series Cogar in October 2012. The reported result is part of that local record; it does not establish that drinking the well water treats mental illness.
Explore more of the glen
Gleann na nGealt in our historical walks →
Read Poetry Corner → · Heritage & Stories →
To hear more about the glen, the original article gives Brigid O’Connor’s contact details: 066 7130185 or brigid.oconnor@yahoo.com.