The Keeils

Maughold Monestary

The present Kirk Maughold Parish Church dates from the twelfth century, but within the churchyard lie the remains of three earlier buildings. It seems likely that this was a mission station, founded by the seventh century, from where priests would have gone out to spread the Christian word.

The legend of MaCuil describes how this Irish bandit was cast up on the shores of the Isle of Man after being set adrift in a coracle as a penance. It is said that Maughold was "called after him ". Whatever the legend, it may safely be assumed that Maughold was commissioned as a Bishop of Mann in the sixth century.

Spooyt Vane - White Watersprout

Cabbal Pherick (St. Patrick’s Chapel) was built in a wooded glade close to a waterfall and river. Its roof was probably thatched, on a timber frame supported by slate walls. The altar under the east window was outlined with small stones set on edge and faced with larger stones. A stone with a small hollow for oil ( a cresset stone) would have been used to light it. Outside the enclosure was a cell where the priest lived, and to the west a small well which may have been used for baptisms.

Lag Ny Keeiley - Hollow of the Chapel

Lag ny Keeilley is on an old packhorse track on the Island’s south west coast, in an extraordinarily wild and desolate spot. There is evidence of a small living cell and herb garden, so this was almost certainly a hermitage site. The burial ground contains stone-lined lintel graves, and some very simple slate crosses have been found.