Hero image

Kilnave Chapel and Cross

Unnamed Road, Isle of, Gruinart, Isle of Islay PA44 7PP United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Open Today: -

Amenities

Best KPortal Reviews

Beautiful spot a little bit off the beaten track. The view across Gruinard Bay is spectacular!
This is a really great chapel and cross, one of the best on Islay. Dripping with history (some of it a little bit sad) but overall, comes very highly recommended.
lovely wee place with stunning views
A little tricky to find, but worth the effort. Interesting old church & cross in a very attractive location. While the church lost its roof long ago the churchyard is still active with a few recent burials. Good photo opportunities around the church & the surrounding area.
A very special and spiritual place. I scattered my mothers ashes a few years ago on the graves of her ancestors. Her name was Flora Mc Eachern born 1923 Her mother was Mary Finlater nee McEachern who's ashes were scattered over her mothers grave. Most of the graves are of the McEachern Clan who come from Mc Donald of Mc Donald clan. Beautiful serene place definitely worth a visit.
Nice views,l and atmosphere if you have the time to make your way out
An ancient Celtic High Cross which is now weathered and damaged but once upon a time was as intricately carved, at least on one side, as the more famous Kildalton Cross. The roofless chapel provides great opportunity for taking photos through the window on the gable end which frames the tidal sea-loch and hills to the north. The Chapel lost it's (thatched) roof toward the end of the Battle of Traigh Gruinart which took place on 5th August 1598. The battle was between the Clan Donald of Islay and the Clan MacLean of Mull and was over a land dispute. The MacLeans had beached their galleys at the mouth of Loch Gruinart and, having lost the battle and their Clan Chief Sir Lachlan, the survivors were being pursued back to their galleys and sought sanctuary in the Chapel. The pursuing MacDonalds set fire to the Chapel and killed all but one of the MacLeans as they escaped from the flames.
When I arrived, first thing that occurred to me was that it resembles Kildalton Cross. Although I Kilnave is a bit less interesting, it will still be a mistake not to go there, as it offers nice views and some history.

Quick Facts About Kilnave Chapel and Cross



Today

Opening Hours

Monday Not Found
Tuesday Not Found
Wednesday Not Found
Thursday Not Found
Friday Not Found
Saturday Not Found
Sunday Not Found

How to go there

Location