Iona
Iona lies off the southwest corner of the Isle of Mull. This beautiful island was the site of Colmcille’s monastery founded in 563.
Iona was at the heart of the familia of churches and religious settlements scattered across the west of Scotland founded by Colmcille and his successors.
Today a journey to the island involves a ferry from Oban, a drive across the southern half of Mull and a short boat trip across to Iona - but in Colmcille’s time, people travelled by sea.
Once you start to look at the island from the sea, you quickly realise how close it is to the islands of the Inner Hebrides, the west coast of Scotland and the north coast of Ireland.
Adomnán, a successor to Colmcille as Abbot of Iona and author of the 7th century 'Life of St Columba', often mentions the monks travelling between the islands and beyond, and welcoming visitors to the monastery.
Visit this peaceful island and discover the legacy of Colmcille’s life and work.
The island of Iona has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland since 1979. The Abbey buildings and other ecclesiastical sites are managed by Historic Scotland. The Iona Community, an ecumenical community, are tenants of the the Abbey Complex, where they conduct worship and receive guests during the summer months.
Practicalities
See the Calmac website for ferry sailing times from Oban to Mull and from Fionnphort to Iona.