Folklore · saints

Places of St Brigid in Ireland

121 sites named after or linked to St Brigid.

Illustrative image

121 sites named after or linked to St Brigid in the Archaeological Survey: 110 holy wells, 8 ancient churches, 1 round towers, 1 abbeys & friaries, 1 hillforts.

Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.

St Bridget's Well Holy well · Tomard Lower (3 Detached Portions), Co. Carlow
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Clonegall, Co. Carlow
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Kilbrannish South, Co. Carlow
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Sliguff, Co. Carlow
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Ballysteen, Co. Clare
The holy well is still much venerated, as attested to by the many relics, coins, statues, rosary beads, notes and mass cards lining the passageway walls and lying about the well opening.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Toberbreedia Holy well · Kiltanon, Co. Clare
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Mountbridget, Co. Cork
Shallow depression, defined by stone walling on N side and by cliff face to W and S. Canopy of bushes overhead tied with rags; several small statues left beside well by pilgrims.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Clonfert, Co. Cork
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballyrobert (Barrymore By., Knockmourne Par.), Co. Cork
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ardra (Carbery West (E.D.) By.), Co. Cork
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Tubbrid, Co. Cork
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Derreenkealig, Co. Cork

St Mary's Well Holy well · Crosshaven, Co. Cork
According to O'Leary (1919, 84) '...as no votive offerings are to be seen, apparently "rounds" are no longer made'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Knocknagore, Co. Cork
St Bridget's Wells Holy well · An Chruit Uachtarach, Co. Donegal
Stations are made on the 15th August.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Carrowreagh Or Craignacally,Magheranaul, Co. Donegal
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Lough Hill (Stranorlar Ed), Co. Donegal
A well dedicated to St. Brigid with contemporary votive offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tetunny Well Holy well · Cloghore (Carrickboy Ed), Co. Donegal
Lady Well Holy well · Gracedieu, Co. Dublin
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Gracedieu, Co. Dublin
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Ward Lower, Co. Dublin
St Catherine's Well Holy well · Fieldstown, Co. Dublin
Known locally as a former holy well where an annual pattern was held.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Baldurgan, Co. Dublin
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Castleknock (Without Phoenix Park), Co. Dublin
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Brideswell Commons, Co. Dublin
Still visited, especially for the cure of sore eyes.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Rathcoole, Co. Dublin
Small religious objects left as offerings'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Brigid's Well Holy well · , Co. Dublin
St. Margaret's Well Holy well · St. Margaret'S, Co. Dublin
Folklore collected from Killossery School recorded the following tradition about this well; 'There is a well in St. Margaret’s called St. Margaret’s Well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Creevaghbaun Well Holy well · Kilmore (Dunmore By.), Co. Galway
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Loughrea, Co. Galway
According to local information, the well was used as a cure for sore eyes and rags were tied to a hawthorn bush its E; the latter has since been removed.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Timsallagh Or Spring Grove, Co. Galway
No votive offerings were visible but according to local information, the well was formerly used for ‘cures’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Kiltullagh (Tiaquin By.), Co. Galway
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Castlegar (Killian By.), Co. Galway
St Macadaw's Well Holy well · Glenderry, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: According to local tradition, rounds at this well may be made by members of the Corridan family only, to whom the right of burial in the nearby church ruin (KE013-023001-) is also reserved.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tobereleesh Holy well · Knoppoge (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Marked on the 1840-41 and 1914 OS maps as 'Tobereleesh' (Tobar Eilís - well of Eilís), this well is known locally as Knoppoge well, St Brigid's well and Tobar an Leighis (well of the healing).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tobernasool Holy well · Glandahalin East, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: This well is still visited, especially on the Saturdays before May Day, Midsummer and Michaelmas.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Hartwell Lower, Co. Kildare
Though a strong flow of water boils up in it, yet from its position by the side of a gripe, it would require a native of the locality to point it out.' Jackson (1979-80, 161) says the well was visited for toothache and earache cures and tokens were left at it.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Kilbrook, Co. Kildare
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Tully East, Co. Kildare
Ribbons and other votive offerings have been tied to the branches of a tree overhanging the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Riverstown, Co. Kildare
A stone with indentations beside the well is said to be the imprints of the saint’s knees.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tobar Bride Holy well · Brallistown Commons, Co. Kildare
According to Jackson (1979-80, 156) 'there was a famous pattern held at this spot over 150 years ago, but the pattern fell into disrepute from want of piety.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tubber-molin Holy well · Kilcullenbridge (Kilcullen Ed), Co. Kildare
According to Fitzgerald (1899-1902, 317) the well, ‘ … [went] by the name of Tubber-molin … or St. Moling’s Well’, while Jackson (1979-80, 151) attributes it to St. Brigid and says a pattern was formerly held there on February 1st.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Saint Brigid's Well (site of) Holy well · Ballyconra, Co. Kilkenny
When describing Barony church (KK009-013001-) in Ballyconra townland, O'Kelly (1969, 53) mentions, 'St. Brigid's Well at which a pattern was held on the saint's feast day is south of the church'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Newtown (Shea), Co. Kilkenny
It is still held in veneration but not visited for cures or devotion’ (O’Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 59 (20)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Toberbride Holy well · Baunta Commons, Co. Kilkenny
Toberbride Holy well · Kells, Co. Kilkenny
Stations were performed and a Pattern was held at this well not many years since on St. Bridget's Day, the 1st of February' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 62 (20)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Saint Brigid's Well Holy well · Rosenallis, Co. Laois
A holy well dedicated to St Bridget whose pattern was formerly held on 1st of February.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Aharney, Co. Laois
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Ballintubbert, Co. Laois
No evidence of any votive offerings in the vicinity of the well and no pattern is held at this well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Oughteragh, Co. Leitrim
St Bridget’s Well Holy well · Aghintober, Co. Leitrim
It has a sandy bottom with some water and there are two whitethorns there which are known to have been festooned with rags in the past but are bare now.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Camagh, Co. Leitrim
A pattern was held on February 1st in the 19th century (O'Flanagan 1929, 98).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Lady's Well Holy well · Ballingaddy South, Co. Limerick
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Cartown, Co. Limerick
A great many rags still hang at the well; small religious objects are left as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballinlough, Co. Limerick
Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Kildromin, Co. Limerick
Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Kilfrush, Co. Limerick
The water cured eye ailments, and rags were left on the tree as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballingaddy South, Co. Limerick
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Bohergar, Co. Limerick
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Cartown, Co. Limerick
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Stonehall, Co. Limerick
To S steps lead upslope via a gravel pathway back and around well to N. Modern pipe drains well to feed cattle trough c. 4m to S. Bushes, with rags attached, to W. According to Ó Danachair (1955, 212) rounds made here often, especially on 1st Feb.; water said…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Tubbrid, Co. Limerick
The following folklore was recorded from Nutgrove National School about St. Bridget's Well; 'There is a holy well in Tubrid about a quarter of a mile South of Nutgrove school, and it is called after St. Bridget, and it is said that a woman washed clothes in…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Shangarry, Co. Limerick
According to Ó Danachair (1955, 212) rounds made on 1st February and 'a pattern was held formerly on this day … legend: Saint Brighid converted a pagan chieftan who lived in the fort, and caused a well to spring up for baptism.'
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Kilbreedy (Coshma By., Bruree Ed), Co. Limerick
Formerly very popular, especially for the cure of sore eyes'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Banghill, Co. Longford
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Faughart Upper, Co. Louth
There is a tradition that a skull lay beside the well and that people drank from it to cure headaches (IFC Schools MSS 660, 340).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tober Muire Holy well · Cappoge, Co. Louth
A station was said to have been held on the 15th August each year and according to tradition its waters were supposed to have risen at midnight on this day (IFC Schools' Mss 669, 5).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Wells Holy well · Kildarra, Co. Mayo
Bride's Well Holy well · Calgath, Co. Meath
The well is surrounded by a paved path (Wth c. 1.5m) and within an enclosure (diam c. 5m) defined by a hedge and a picket fence, and there are two young trees outside the enclosure, one with rags.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Toberneeva Holy well · Castlearmstrong, Co. Offaly
Hazel and hawthorn tress now growing around the edge of the well with evidence of votive offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Bride's Well Holy well · Lisnanuran, Co. Roscommon
It has water and is the source of a stream that surfaces c. 10m to the NE and flows off to the N. The well is still venerated and has some offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bride's Well Holy well · Brideswell, Co. Roscommon
O'Donovan writing in the 1830s a pattern was held on 31st July (O'Flanagan 1931; 29-30), rises as a spring outside the WNW angle of a chapel or bath-house (RO048-108002-).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Loughglinn Demesne, Co. Roscommon
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Cloonmurly, Co. Roscommon
Traditionally this well appeared when a notorious landlord, George Ormsby, attempted to cure an injured dog at Tobernagreghta well (RO040-016----) c. 65m to the W, from whence it moved in disgust to this location (O'Flanagan 1931, vol. 1, 53).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Curryroe, Co. Roscommon
St Patrick's Well Holy well · Cloonybeirne (Roscommon By.), Co. Roscommon
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Cartron (Athlone South By., Athlone West Rural Ed), Co. Roscommon
A natural spring in limestone outcrop is known locally as St Bridget's Well and was renowned for a cure of warts, but it was deepened on several occasions and is now visible as a slight hollow, but there is no evidence of veneration.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Cloonown, Co. Roscommon
Tobernagreaghta Holy well · Ballinaboy, Co. Roscommon
Patterns were held at night between Aug. 15th and Sep. 9th.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballinphull (Carbury By., Cliffony North Ed), Co. Sligo
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Scardan Beg, Co. Sligo
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Dromard, Co. Sligo
Patterns are still held here annually on June 29th.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Tober Bride Holy well · Abbeyville Or Ardlaherty, Co. Sligo
Toberbride Holy well · Toberbride, Co. Sligo
In 1836 it was recorded that the 'patron day' of the parish is 1st of February, St Brigid's Day (OSL, 375).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Foildarrig, Co. Tipperary
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Knockanrawley, Co. Tipperary
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Pallas (Donohill Par.), Co. Tipperary
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballynamona (Molough Par.), Co. Tipperary
Toberbreeda Holy well · Curraghtemple,Kilcolman (Youghalarra Par.), Co. Tipperary
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ardsallagh, Co. Waterford
St. Brigid's Well Holy well · Fairlane (Decies Without Drum By., Dungarvan Par.), Co. Waterford
Bride's Well Holy well · Ardnurcher, Co. Westmeath
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Cushinstown, Co. Westmeath
No visible sign of any votive offerings at the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Bigwood, Co. Westmeath
St Brigid's Well Holy well · Ballynacarrow (Moygoish By.), Co. Westmeath
The local folklore in the Schools' Collection (1937-1939) recorded that the 'local patron saint of this parish is Saint Mathew.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Brigids Well Holy well · Culleen More, Co. Westmeath
St Brigids Well Holy well · Killarecastle, Co. Westmeath
Votive offerings have been deposited at the feet of the statue standing inside this stone canopy.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bigseach's Well Holy well · Ballynacroghy Or Gallowstown, Co. Westmeath
Holy well described by Bradley (1985, 110) as follows; 'The ground here is marshy and the well is marked by a wooden sign and thorn bushes on which two rags were tied at the time of our visit.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Pass Of Kilbride, Co. Westmeath
Disused well consisting of an oval-shaped dried up hollow (dims. 3.8m E-W; 3m N-S; D 0.7-1m) with old U-shaped water channel (top Wth 1.9m; base Wth 0.5m; D 0.3m; L 40m) running out of hollow at N. No evidence of any enclosing element around the well or of…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Bride's Well Holy well · Longridge, Co. Wexford
Lady Well Holy well · Tellarought, Co. Wexford
Saint Brigid's Well Holy well · Brideswell Big, Co. Wexford
Described as 'Bride's Well' on the 1839 and 1940 eds of the OS 6-inch map, a pattern was held there until c. 1800, according to John O'Donovan c. 1840 (O'Flanagan 1933, 238).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Artramon, Co. Wexford
St Bridget's Well Holy well · Trimmer, Co. Wexford
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Killisk, Co. Wexford
John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 records the name but says it had been disused for 20 years and the pattern was not remembered (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 222).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Castletalbot, Co. Wexford
According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 the pattern was held on the 1st February until c. 1830 (O'Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 90-1).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballybrazil, Co. Wexford
St. Mannan’s Well Holy well · Woodtown (Bargy By.), Co. Wexford
She was reputedly baptised by St. Patrick, and founded a nunnery at Faughart, Co. Louth (LH004-097001-), the reputed birthplace of St. Bridget (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 384).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Moorstown (Talbotstown Upper By.), Co. Wicklow
St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Colvinstown Upper, Co. Wicklow
St Finian's Church Ancient church · Myshall, Co. Carlow
St Brigid's Church Ancient church · Inishcaltra Or Holy Island, Co. Clare
St Bridget's Church Ancient church · Castlemagner, Co. Cork
Tully Church Ancient church · Laughanstown, Co. Dublin
Ward Lower Church Ancient church · Ward Lower, Co. Dublin
Kildare Round Tower Round tower · Kildare, Co. Kildare
White Abbey Abbey or friary · Kildare, Co. Kildare
Cannistown Church Ancient church · Ardsallagh, Co. Meath
St Mary's Church Ancient church · Ballyboy (Ballyboy By.), Co. Offaly
Presence of early-christian cross-slab confirms local tradition that this church has its origins in the Early Christian period.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
Bigwood Hillfort · Bigwood, Co. Westmeath
St Bigseach's Church Ancient church · Baronstown Demesne, Co. Westmeath

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