Churchtown Point, Cranfield, Co. Antrim
On the shores of Lough Neagh at Churchtown Point lie the ruins of an ancient Irish Church and St. Olcan's Holy Shrine . Within a few yards east of the church is a holy well which produces fine spring water and amber coloured crystals . Pilgrimages were made to Cranfield annually on May 1st and records show that pilgrims who visited walked barefoot thirteen times around the church, thirteen times around the well, drank from the well and finally bathed in it . They also followed the ancient tradition of counting prayers by dropping pebbles . The Wells crystals were thought to protect women during childbirth, men from drowning and homes from fire or burglary . They were highly prized by those emigrating to America who believed that no ship could be wrecked that contained them . The 29th June is St. Olcan's feast day and the well is reputed to overflow on the eve of this day . There is also another tradition that states that St. Colmans well was blessed with healing properties by St. Olcan who reputedly lies buried at Cranfield's 13th century church in earth brought from Rome . |