What is recorded here

Five shallow holes cut through the sand of An Chruit Íochtarach, yet new ones keep appearing as if the island refuses to hold still. People still walk the turas, touch the water, and leave behind the quiet certainty that the dead are not finished speaking. The wells do not need walls or warnings; they need only to be dug again and again, as though faith itself keeps sinking into the sea and rising through the sand.

The OS 6-inch maps record St. Bridget's Wells in Cruit graveyard. Five wells are to be found today, consisting of simple holes dug in the sand. Apparently new wells are constantly dug. A turas or pilgrimage involving these still takes place here. Three wells have been located while the other two (DG040-001----/002-) have not been precisely located. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'In Cruit Islands there are three Holy Wells: (1) Tobar Bhrighde, or St. Brigid's Well. (2) Tobar Mhuire (DG040-003001-), or the B. V. Mary's Well, and a third nameless (DG040-003002-). There were also three leachta there. There is a Leac Phroinseis, or St. Francis's flag-stone, which suggests a Franciscan foundation on the island. Sick persons used to be brought to sleep during one night on the Leacht Mhdr and if they slept it was a sign that they would get better. Stations are made on the 15th August. It is said that in Cruit graveyard there is an inscription which cannot be deciphered' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 152). The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 02 November 2011

turas or pilgrimage involving the collection of water from the wells is traditionally undertaken, particularly on St. Brigid's Day (1st February), and is associated with cures for ailments such as eye disorders and general ill health. The site is linked to St. Brigid of Kildare, a revered early Irish saint associated with wells and fertility.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.