From Saturday 16th to Saturday 23rd May 2026, the Isle of Man will once again host the much-loved Praying the Keeills Week – a unique opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and enter into a deeper encounter with God through prayer, landscape, and heritage.

‍

What is a Keeill?

Keeills are small early Christian chapels built on the Isle of Man between the 8th and 12th centuries. The earliest were modest structures—often no more than 3 by 5 metres—constructed from sods of earth, while later examples were larger and built of stone.

There may once have been nearly 200 keeills across the island; today, around 35 still have visible remains.

These sacred places served many purposes:

• Family chapels

• Wayside shrines

• Hermitages and places of retreat

Often surrounded by simple burial grounds, some keeills were also located near holy wells. Though many carved stones and crosses have since been moved to parish churches, the spirit of these places endures.

Our Celtic forebears understood these sites as “thin places”—locations where the boundary between heaven and earth feels especially close, and where God’s presence can be encountered in a profound way.

‍

Praying the Keeills Week 2026

This year’s theme, “Blein ny Gaelgey – Year of the Manx Language,” celebrates the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the island, inviting participants to engage not only with the landscape but also with the living tradition of Manx spirituality.

Throughout the week, participants are invited to:

• Journey on foot, by car, or via public transport to different keeills

• Take part in acts of prayer and reflection at each site

• Learn about the Isle of Man’s Celtic Christian heritage

• Share fellowship with others in a spirit of joy and community

This year’s focus on the Manx language is also an invitation to experience prayer in a new (and ancient) way. You may wish to explore our archdiocesan prayer resources, including the Lord’s Prayer in Manx, available here.

The full programme for 2026 is available via the official website: www.prayingthekeeills.org