Argyll and Bute

Keills Chapel

A 12th-century chapel on the Keills peninsula in Knapdale, holding the 8th-century Keills Cross and nearly 40 carved stones.

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Welcome

Keills Chapel stands on a low rise near the end of the Keills peninsula in Knapdale, on the mainland, about six miles south-west of Tayvallich along the west side of Loch Sween, with views over the sea to Islay and Jura.

It is a simple, oblong chapel dedicated to St Cormac, built in the 1100s, though people may have worshipped here from the eighth century.

Inside are almost forty carved stones, from the 700s to the 1500s. The finest is the Keills Cross, a free-standing, ring-headed high cross of the 700s, carved on one face with lions round a central boss and panels of interlace, very like the crosses of Iona and probably the work of an Iona craftsman; it is the only one of its kind on the mainland. Around it lie medieval grave slabs, one carved with a harp. It is open at any time. The road goes on to an old pier with views of the Paps of Jura.

A short drive awayTayvallich CaféA small café by the pier in Tayvallich, overlooking the harbour on Loch Sween, where the Jura ferry sails from.10 min by roadSee it

The covered deck of the Tayvallich Café, picnic tables looking out over the bay.

Before you go

Keills Chapel is about six miles south-west of Tayvallich off the B8025, down the peninsula on the west side of Loch Sween.

It is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and open at any time.

Getting there: By road: Lochgilphead, then the B841 and B8025 by the Crinan Canal towards Tayvallich.
Where: About 6 miles south-west of Tayvallich.
Open: At any time.

Where it is

Keills, Knapdale, Argyll, PA31 8PQ.

Close byIn Knapdale.