What is recorded here

Oileán Dúiche is an uninhabited island between Inisbofin and Tory, and it holds a holy well dedicated to St. Dubhthach. The name of the island and the name of the well both point to the same saint, whose feast is kept on 5th February or 7th October. A clear well on a bare island sounds like a gift laid down for people who no longer live there.

OS 14 (Precise location unknown) 9 The holy well recorded by Ó Muirgheasa (No. 54) here, was not visited. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'In the uninhabited island of Oilean Duithche, between Inisbofin and Tory, there is a Holy Well. Both island and well commemorate St. Dubhthach-5th February or 7th October' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 153). 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

Linked to an unidentified saint, the holy well on Oileán Dúiche was traditionally associated with healing and pilgrimage, as noted by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936, though no specific cures or rituals are recorded in the available sources. The well’s location on an uninhabited island adds to its isolation and mystery, suggesting a possible early Christian or pre-Christian sacred site.

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