St. Bridgets Wells

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. 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 prominent early Irish Christian saint linked to healing and fertility. The tradition of pilgrimage (turas) and the continual digging of new wells reflects ongoing local devotion and the belief in the wells' curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and general health.