Cabbal Druiaght

Tucked away in the trees near Glen Lough campsite, stands the Cabbal Druiaght. It’s a remarkably well-preserved keeill, a hidden gem in the Isle of Man. Many pass by on the farm lane without realizing this ancient treasure exists. Cabbal Druiaght has no known dedication to a particular saint. One theory suggests its name means “the druids’ chapel.” Another proposes a connection to Saint Duthracht. The Manx Museum protects this site. This has helped preserve its structure. The keeill’s walls still stand, about two feet high now. They are built of unhewn stone. Three large granite foundation stones cross the east gable wall. You can still see the base of the altar, about ten inches high and four feet by two and a half feet. Upright stones form pillars at its corners. The original doorway was in the west wall, with two steps leading inside. Cabbal Druiaght’s keeill sits within a roughly circular enclosure, evidence of an early cemetery. Lintel graves found nearby suggest a larger burial ground than is currently visible. The Manx Archaeological Survey examined Cabbal Druiaght in 1908-1909. Their report describes floor paving forming a path from the door to the altar. They also found about 230 white shore pebbles inside, a common feature in these sacred sites. Sadly, a thorn tree damaged the southwest corner at some point in time. Despite this, the keeill remains a testament to early Christian practices on the Isle of Man.