Holy Well

Ó Muirgheasa (1936, 153, Nos. 62 and 63) recorded that 'There are two Holy Wells (DG037-014----; DG037-014001-) in Craig or Cregg townland, two miles from Rathmullen on the road to Rathmelton, one on each side of the road. One of these is called Tobar Breallagh, probably from St. Baothallach, 5th October'. This holy well (DG037-014----) is indicated as 'Holy well' on the 1837-42 and 1913 OS maps. It is located a few meters to E of a N-S field fence in low-lying ground c. 30m N of the shoreline of Lough Swilly. It consists of a basin-stone which holds water. The stone is a flattish slab c. 0.85m across. The depression is c. 0.3m across and c. 0.15m deep. A few stones have been built up to form a roof over the basin-stone. Some pieces of white quartz are laid on the bullaun. According to tradition, water from the well is used as an eye cure (Lacy 1983, 302, no. 1666). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 4 March 2021

One of the holy wells at Craigmaddyroe Far is traditionally associated with Saint Gobnait, a 6th-century Irish saint known for her patronage of beekeeping and healing. Local tradition holds that the well was visited for cures related to eye ailments and general health, with pilgrims often leaving coins or small offerings at the site.