The ruined St Lonan's parish church is thought to be on the site of an early medieval keeill or chapel, which would have been in use between circa AD500 and AD1000.  Some of the existing west walls seem to belong to the 12th century but about four feet below the present surface are the foundations of an earlier building.  Lintel graves have been found here also.


Lonan Old Church is dedicated to the Irish saint, Adamnan of Iona, or the shortened version, 'Onan'.