Keeills
A Keeill is often described as a simple chapel built in the early medieval period.
In the sixth century there emerged a class of clergy, independent of the monasteries, who lived a solitary and austere life. These recluses known as Culdee's (from Cele De servant of God) from the 8th Century would build his own cell or oratory ('Keeill') and act as spiritual father to the local families.
Earliest keeils were probably mud and wattle (long disappeared) whilst those that remain as ruins generally have earth walls lined inside with stone. These probably date from 8th to 12th century and typically measure 5m by 3m.
The use of Keeills declined with the arrival of the Vikings and the increase in those practising Christianity.
A number of keeills on the Island have been built on natural or arificial mounds, often the site of earlier burials or monuments. Most are surrounded by cemeteries, some of which may have originated in pagan society.
The map below shows the widespread nature of these keeills
© F.Coakley , 1999