St. Adamnan's Church, Lonan

St. Adamnan's Church is a medieval stone building standing in isolation among open farmland on the eastern coast of the island. It sits between Groudle Glen and Baldrine, surrounded by expansive fields.

The original building dates from 1190 when King Reginald of the Isle of Man granted the land to St Bees Priory in Cumbria. This gift linked the remote island community to a monastery on the English mainland.

The churchyard holds Celtic crosses spanning multiple centuries, with the oldest examples from the fifth century. These monuments reflect the deep spiritual roots of the place and reveal how local communities marked their sacred space.

The building has limited seating for about forty people and is accessible during daylight hours. Contact The Friends of St Adamnan's to confirm opening times before planning a visit.

The eastern section was restored while other parts were intentionally kept in a maintained ruinous state. This mix of restoration and preserved decay tells a story of how the building changed and endured over time.

Location: Lonan

GPS coordinates: 54.18600,-4.41150

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44