What is recorded here

Five shallow holes cut through Cruit sand, yet new ones keep appearing as if the island still births water for prayer. People walk the turas, touch the edges, and leave behind the certainty that maps or measurement can contain. The well does not need a name, owner or date because it keeps giving itself up to whoever is thirsty enough to dig.

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. Thre wells have been located while the other two (DG040-002----) 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

St. Bridget's Wells are associated with St. Brigid of Kildare, a major figure in early Irish Christianity, and are traditionally linked to healing and fertility. Pilgrimage (turas) to the site may involve rituals such as walking the wells or collecting water for personal blessings.

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