Kirk Maughold Church

About

Kirk Maughold Church is one of the oldest churches on the Island and it is the site of vast importance for the Island's history, heritage and culture with elements dating back to the sixth century. 

The church was founded approximately 447 A.D. by Celtic St Maughold who was expelled from Ireland by St Patrick and landed on the coast here towards the end of the 5th century, bringing Christianity with him. This site on the headland became one of the most important sites of the early period and was regularly frequented by pilgrims across the ages, before being commissioned as a church in the 12th century by Viking King Olaf I. 

The church is a plain structure that was typical of traditional Manx churches and it contains many ancient relics that are historically significant both within its walls and in the extensive churchyard which, at nearly four acres in extent, is one of the largest in the British Isles.  

The Church also contains a large number of historically important Celtic crosses from the early Christian period (6th-13th Century) and the ruins of three keills, suggesting that it was the site of an early Christian monastery and the main pre-Norse religious community on the Isle of Man.

Nowadays, the crosshouse in the churchyard contains almost a third of all pre-Norse cross slabs found on the Island, including the Pillar Cross which is the only remaining parish cross on the island and depicts the oldest stone-carved example of the three legs of Mann symbol on the Island. 

Other points of interest include the poignant World War One memorial in the churchyard and an inspiring original Archibald Knox designed obelisk with Art Nouveau and Celtic designs that was created for celebrated British novelist, Hall Caine. 

A short distance from the north-east corner of the churchyard is the well of St Maughold, an ancient holy well which was formerly much venerated and frequently visited by pilgrims. The view from the top of the nearby headland is beautiful and extensive, with views out across the bay to the Irish Sea.

Come and join the active and friendly congregation for a spiritual experience in this ancient and tranquil setting which combines the best of Celtic and Viking tradition within a classic Manx church setting. Trails are available for both the church and the graveyard.