St Moluag's Cathedral, Lismore

St Moluag's Cathedral on the Isle of Lismore is a medieval religious building whose remains include an aisle-less choir still used as a parish church today. The ground plan reveals foundations of the original nave and a west tower, along with surviving architectural details such as triple-arched stone seats.

The building was constructed around 1300 and became the seat of the Diocese of Argyll, replacing an earlier religious site established by Saint Moluag in the 6th century. This rebuilding marked a shift in how the island's spiritual life was organized within the broader church structure.

The churchyard holds medieval grave slabs that reveal how local people honored their dead across centuries. The building's triple-arched stone seats and doorways from different periods show how the space was used and adapted by successive generations.

The site is easily accessible for day visits and exploration of the churchyard, with the ruins and grave markers visible throughout the year. Regular services are held, which means some areas may have limited access at certain times.

The building houses stained glass windows designed by Mary Isobel Wood that depict saints from local and broader Celtic tradition in detailed artistic work. These windows represent a noteworthy connection between the island's spiritual heritage and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Location: Argyll and Bute

Location: Lismore and Appin

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 56.53440,-5.48056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40