
The interior consists of a single cell nave, separated from an east chancel by a set of steps. Inside the chancel are 2 aumbries, or stone cupboards, set into the thick stone walls, and a plinth indicating the location of the medieval altar. There is also a projecting stone hollowed into a basin for holy water.

The Kilchiaran Cup Stone
Just outside the chapel is a fascinating flat stone marked with a number of cup and ring carvings. The stone is schist, and measure a rough rectangle about 6 feet long by 3 feet wide. Archaeologist Robert C. Graham noted 22 depressions, or cup marks, when the stone was investigated in 1895. Only 18 of these marks are still visible today. The depth of the marks varies and two have gone right through the thickness of the slab.
There are similar depressions on a stone at Kilchoman, which was also used as a wishing stone by loval residents, especially by women wishing to conceive.
I absolutely loved Kilchiaran. The setting is simply superb, with views out over the bay, and cattle and goats grazing on the hills. There is an amazing sense of heritage at Kilchiaran, and the presence of the ancient Cup Stone beside the medieval chapel really brings home the long history of the site.
NOTE
Because Islay is an island the 'nearest accommodation' properties listed below may not be on Islay itself but on the Scottish mainland. The best source we have found for accommodation on the island is Isle of Islay.com, a dedicated local website offering a wonderful mix of local information, history, activities, and accommodation information.
About Kilchiaran Chapel
Address: Port Charlotte,
Islay,
Argyll and Bute,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: On the minor road to Kilchiaran from Port Charlotte. Nearest post code for satnavs is PA48 7UB
Location
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OS: NR204601
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Cultoon Stone Circle -
2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Kilchoman Crosses and Old Church -
2.1 miles (Historic Church)
Museum of Islay Life -
3.2 miles (Museum)
Nerabus Chapel and Carved Stones -
3.5 miles (Historic Church)
Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve -
6.2 miles (Countryside)
Bowmore Round Church -
6.6 miles (Historic Church)
Kilnave Chapel and Cross -
8.6 miles (Historic Church)
Dun Nosebridge -
10.3 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Accommodation to Kilchiaran Chapel:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Kilchiaran Chapel and Cup Stone. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Tarbert, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £250.00 - 535.60
More self catering near Kilchiaran Chapel

Nearest Hotels
More Hotels near Kilchiaran Chapel

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts
Nearest Tourist Information Centre ('as the crow flies')
Bowmore (Isle of Islay)
Tourist Information Centre
The Square
Bowmore
Isle of Islay
Argyll and Bute
Strathclyde
Scotland
PA43 7JP
Tel: 01496 810 254
Email: info@visitscotland.com
Web: http://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/argyll-isles/
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