The Tau Cross
Visitors to Tory Island are greeted by a large Tau Cross, which stands near the harbour. It was carved from a single slab of mica, and measures 1.9m high by 1.1m wide. There is only one other Tau Cross in Ireland, located at Kilnaboy in Co. Clare.
The Tau Cross gets its name from the Greek letter that it resembles, and is often associated with Saint Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan order.
However, Tory Island is associated with a different saint – Colm Cille also known as Saint Columba
The Tau Cross
Colm Cille
Colm Cille founded a monastery on Tory in the 6th century, and is believed to have come ashore near the harbour at Port an Churraigh. A footprint on a rock marks the spot.
Keen to find this sacred indentation, I asked a man with a fishing rod for help. He kindly told me to wait around 30 minutes for the tide to go out…
I sat down near the harbour and waited, delighting in the sound of the waves.
The kind fisherman returned and pointed out Colm Cille’s footprint.
I felt incredibly blessed.
Colm Cille’s Footprint
Colm Cille was born in 521 near Lough Gartan, not far from artist Derek Hill’s home – Glebe House featured in last weeks post Tory Island- Derek Hill and the Island’s Artists
Colm Cille founded more than 40 monasteries in Ireland, before sailing to Scotland in 564 where he founded more than 60 monasteries, including his first on the island of Iona.
The monastery on Tory was founded between 548 and 561, close to the harbour. Sadly, it was raided and destroyed in 612.
The Bell Tower
A bell tower survives from that period which once housed Colm Cille’s Bell Clog Cholm Cille. The tower was damaged by lightning in the late 18th century, and the bell was relocated to John the Baptist’s oratory Ulai Eoin Baiste. It disappeared in the early 19th century, never to be found.
The Bell Tower
St John’s Oratory Ulai Eoin Baiste
The oratory may have been the site of Colm Cille’s church. The remains (seen below) include fragments of a cross featuring a hooded figure with outstretched arms, and a slab thought to originate from Colm Cille’s Church.
St John’s Altar Ulai Eoin Baiste
The Church of the Seven Moirsheisear
The remains of the Church of the Seven Moirsheisear can be seen on the edge of West Town An Baile Thiar.
Moirsheisear commemorates six men and one woman who drowned and were washed onto the island’s north west coast.
Colm Cille ordered their burial and the building of an oratory over their graves. However, the woman’s remains were found lying over the graves the following morning. She was reburied, only to be discovered once again lying atop the graves!
Thought to be a saint, she was laid to rest on a site west of the church, called the Nun’s Grave.
Clay from her grave is traditionally used to protect against vermin; there are no rats on the island. Tory Clay Uir Thorai is lifted by the eldest of the Duggan family, and is still used today for its special healing powers.
The Church of the Seven Moirsheisear
St Brigid’s Altar Ulai Bhride
St Brigid’s Altar Ulai Bhride can be found hiding up a small alleyway, not far from Ulai Eoin Baiste.
St Brigid’s Altar Ulai Bhride
Colm Cille’s chalice Cailis Cholm Cille is believed to have been kept at Ulai Bhride. The chalice is now housed in Ireland’s National Museum.
Next Friday, I will share my final post on Tory Island – The Legend of Balor of the Evil Eye Balor na Suile Nimhe.
If you enjoyed this post you might also like these other posts in the Tory island series:
The Wild Atlantic Way-Tory Island
Tory Island – Derek Hill and The Island’s Artists
Tory Island Walks -The Legend of Balor of the Evil Eye
Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.
Wow what a history and so beautifully kept after so many years too. Awesome post, Brigid. Thanks for the wonderful share and such amazing pictures too.
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Thank you Kamal. Tory is such an interesting place for such a small island. 😊
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Welcome Brigid and for sure it must be.
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What a fascinating place Brigid, so much history to learn about. Thanks for taking us along. xo
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My pleasure Miriam. Have a lovely weekend. 🌼
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You too Brigid 💕
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Such a rich and beautiful history. Tory Island is such an interesting place to see.
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Thank you. It sure is. 😊
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Thanks for another fantastic tour Brigid! I just love learning about all the fascinating places you visit.
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Thank you Terri. I have one more post on Tory. Happy weekend. 🌼
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Happy weekend to you as well!
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Brigid what a fantastic post. You are truly bringing the Island Alive for me weaving your spell with Sightseeing Myth and History. I am hooked! Px
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I am so glad you are enjoying this series. I have saved Balor till last.😉 Happy weekend. 🌼🌼🌼
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I ditto everything said by Paul, Brigid. I feel like *I* am on vacation. So many beautiful photos and fascinating history.
xx,
mgh
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Thabk you. Although I was only on the island for 28 hours it had a huge effect on my wellbeing. It was my third trip but I shall be returning. 🌼
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Lucky you. You got a lot done in only 28 hours – and I’m grateful you shared the photos.
xx,
mgh
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That footprint seems to be interesting! Thanks for sharing another wonderful post about Tory Island… Enjoyed it. 🙂
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My pleasure Balroop. Yes the footprint is unique. 😊
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Fabulous post Daisies, and brilliant photographs to share too.
Thank you so much for these great posts. I’m learning so much. Love them. ~ C. xxx
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Thank you Cobs. It is amazing the history associated with such a small island way out in the Atlantic. X
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A wonderful post, I love the tower that remains. Gorgeous photos Brigid and interesting history.
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Thank you. The island may be small but it is certainly very interesting.
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yes very interesting!
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What an interesting story you’ve shared with us here. Thank you for doing this.
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My pleasure Cynthia. 😊
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Wow, how beautifully wonderful.
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Thank you Jessica 🌼
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You’re welcome. I’ve missed chatting. Are you doing ok?
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Hi Jessica. Yes. I am doing ok most of the time. How are you? 🌼
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A lovely post, Brigid. A pity about the bell that disappeared.
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Thanks Robbie. Yes it would be great if it were found 🌼
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Hi – I stopped by to see what you up to. Congratulations on so many wonderful book reviews. What a thrill that must be! I loved the post on Tory Island. Thank you for sharing the visit through photos, and including St Brigid’s altar. I love the St Brigid’s cross – now I know the land where it came from. Many blessings, in lak’ech, Debra
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Thank you Debra. I am glad you liked my post. I posted in February how to create a St Brigid’s cross. 🌼
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I made a small one out of silver and copper wire, though haven’t been on track with the February observance. Maybe you’ll remind me this year. :)) Debra
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Brigid, you’re a natural travel guide!! 😃 Thank you for letting us tag along – I love the various stories and I’m so happy you got to see the footprint. 😃
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Thank you Annika. I was so pleased to see the footprint. I had a list of wishes for my visit and it surpassed all expectations. 😊
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I can tell from the wonderful posts…so full of exciting fascinating detail, beautiful photos and wonderful stories…feel as if I was there!
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I love the history, Brigid, and your photos and impressions are wonderful additions. Thanks for sharing these sacred places.
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My pleasure Diana. My last post on Friday is on the myths and legends…🌼
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Stunning! On every level. Thank you for sharing your adventures & perspective with us Brigid. I feel like I’ve travelled back in time via your words and photos. The best!
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Bless you Andrea. I am so glad you enjoyed my little tour. 🌼
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Beautiful and thank you for this wonderful post and the great photos.
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My pleasure Terri. I love taking photographs 🌼
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The old monasteries in Ireland have such a hallowed, sacred feel! Lovely post!
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Thank you. Tory is such an exceptional island steeped in history. 🌼
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[…] Tory Island and Saint Colm Cille […]
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[…] Tory Island and Saint Colm Cille […]
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[…] Tory Island and Saint Colm Cille […]
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[…] Tory Island and Saint Colm Cille […]
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Everything everyone else said and some, Brigid I love how much info you have packed into this post so interesting I love History what a lovely island and great images 🙂 Congrats on your nomination 🙂 xx
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Thank you so much Carol. Tory Island is a very special place. The people are so kind and welcoming. x
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That is lovely to hear you always seem to get a real sense of community in some places …I saw that we can’t vote for you but good luck , Brigid 🙂 xx
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Hi Brigid, it must be a delightful 30 minutes wait to see the footprint. It’s sad that the bell disappeared. Thank you for sharing this lovely post. 🙂 🙂
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Thank you Miriam. The fisherman was so kind helping me out. It was hard to know where to find the footprint. 🌼
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Yes, he also knew when the footprint would show up and asked you to wait for the tide to go out. It was great! ❤
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[…] You can read my post HERE […]
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Lovely post about such a very beautiful place. I was lucky enough to visit it many years ago and heard the unusual call of the Corncrakes for the only time in my life. Hope this endangered bird is still thriving on Tory.
Enjoy your trips!
H x
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Thank you Hilary. The Corncrake seems to be well protected these days. Tory is such a beautiful and welcoming place. I hope you get anotger chance to visit. X 🌼
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Ireland’s history is rich indeed. This is lovely and the photo’s fantastic. Thank you for the tour.
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It surely is Barb. I love Tory and its wild landscape. It is small but so rich in history. 🌼
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Hi Brigid! What a wonderful post! I enjoyed learning the history of this fascinating place. Thanks for sharing! 😀 xx
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Thank you Vashti. I love Tory and its people. They have preserved their culture so well. XX
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It is always great to experience that. 🙂
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