Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer
At a glance
- TypeRitual site - holy well
Picked out from the Archaeological Survey description below.
Can you visit?
- No source says it is open to the public.Most monuments in Ireland stand on private farmland.
- Ask the landowner before crossing fields, close gates, leave the stones as you find them.Visiting responsibly
History and description
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.
Full archaeological record 159 words
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)
Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0). It describes the site as it was when surveyed.
Folklore and traditions
Stations are made on the 15th August.
More holy wells nearby
Tobercrone
Ritual site - holy well · An Tearmann · Donegal · 10 km away
Priest Boyle's Well
Ritual site - holy well · Ionascail · Donegal · 20 km away
Visitors' notes
Badges are opinions of visitors - not verified facts. One vote per badge and visitor; no account needed.
Best time to visit
What's missing on this page?
Share a tip to find it
Share a local tradition or story
Suggest a correction
Suggest the right map location
Report a duplicate page
Ask a question
Do not include personal data. See our privacy notice.
Around St Bridget's Wells
Recorded within 5 km
- 3 holy wellsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
Walks and trails
- Burtonport Loops - Lúb Cheann Bhaile CruaicheWalking Trail · 6.8 km · nearest point 4.6 km
- Siúlóid an tSean Bhóthar IanrainnWalking Trail · 5.3 km · nearest point 4.7 km
- Slí Na Rosann - Sli Dhun na nGallLong Distance Waymarked Way · 64.6 km · nearest point 4.9 km
Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- CarrickfinnBeaches · 4.5 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- Portarthur, DerrybegBeaches · 10 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- Termon HouseHistoric stays · 11 km
Other attractions nearby
- Saoire Mara ChartersNature and Wildlife · 1.1 km
- Carrickfinn BeachNatural Landscape · 4.7 km
- Darkest Discoveries DonegalNature and Wildlife · 4.9 km
- Donegal Sea AdventureNatural Landscape · 5.3 km
What's on nearby
- Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair2026-12-27 · 9.2 km
- Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair2027-01-01 · 9.2 km