Keeill

A keeill (also spelled keeil, plural keeills) is a small chapel, often of early Christian origin, found on the Isle of Man. The term derives from the Manx Gaelic word for "church" or "chapel," keeill.

Keeills are typically much smaller and simpler structures than later, more substantial parish churches. They often measure only a few meters across, and are constructed of local stone. They are frequently rectangular in shape, with simple doorways and small windows. The interiors are usually plain, and may contain an altar or a simple stone bench.

Archaeological evidence suggests that many keeills were founded in the 6th to 12th centuries, representing an early phase of Christianisation on the island. Some may even predate the arrival of the Norse. They are thought to have served as local places of worship for small communities, perhaps overseen by hermit priests or early missionaries.

Many keeills have been lost over time, either through destruction or gradual decay. Others have been incorporated into later ecclesiastical buildings. However, a significant number have been identified and investigated, providing valuable insights into the early Christian history of the Isle of Man. Sites of keeills are often marked by enclosures or surviving remnants of the stone structure. The presence of a keeill is often associated with other early Christian artifacts, such as carved crosses and inscribed stones.