What is recorded here

St. Bridget's Wells are simple holes dug in the sand within Cruit graveyard, yet new ones keep appearing as if the island itself refuses to stop giving water. Sick people once slept on a large stone beside the wells, believing dawn would reveal whether their bodies accepted mercy or demanded more time. The practice still stirs during the August pilgrimage, turning bare sand into a living threshold where human desperation and ancient belief keep digging together.

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 O Muirgheasa as 'in Cruit Islands there are three Holy Wells (DG040-003/003001/003002-) : (1) Tobar Bhrighde, or St. Brigid's Well. (2) Tobar Mhuire, or the B.V. Mary's We'll, and a third nameless. 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 Mhor 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'. (O Muirgheasa 1936, 152). (O Muirgheasa No. 45, 46, 47)

St. Bridget's Wells are associated with the veneration of St. Brigid of Kildare, a prominent Irish saint linked to healing and fertility. The tradition of pilgrimage (turas) and the ongoing practice of digging new wells reflect enduring folk beliefs in the site's spiritual and curative powers.

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