Iona
Iona is a small, fertile crofting island, currently inhabited by around 130 people. The National Trust for Scotland works in partnership with the local community and other organisations to carry out a range of conservation projects on the island.
With its stunning landscape of white sandy beaches and dramatic changing light, Iona is one of the most sacred sites in Britain. It was here in AD 563 that Columba and his followers arrived from Ireland to extend in Scotland and the north of England the gospel which had first been introduced by St Ninian at Whithorn in AD 397.
Iona is still a centre for Christian pilgrimage and its atmosphere of spirituality and the sense of serenity continue to inspire visitors and those who live and work on the island.
In the Trust's care, since 1979, are 2,250 acres of the island. The Abbey, other sacred buildings and historic sites were conveyed by the 8th Duke of Argyll in 1899 to the Iona Cathedral Trustees and are not owned by the Trust.
Over a century ago, the Abbey and monastic buildings were restored and in 1938, The Iona Community was founded to continue the tradition of worship in the abbey through daily services and teaching.
Iona's historical and religious attractions include the Abbey church and cloisters, St Columba's shrine, the site of St Columba's writing cell and a superb collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses.
In the Abbey graveyard, many early Scottish kings and chiefs, as well as kings from Ireland, Norway and France are buried and nearby are the remains of the 13th century nunnery.
Managed by Historic Scotland.
St Columba Centre
A modern interpretation centre focusing on the life and work of St Columba and the religious community he founded on Iona in AD 563
In Fionnphort, open summer only 10am to 5pm daily.
Admission free
Additional Information:
Shop (not NTS)
Restaurant (not NTS)
Literature
Access to ferry by ramp and could be difficult
Access to Abbey along tarmac road (600 metres)
Toilet & parking at Fionnphort ferry point
With its stunning landscape of white sandy beaches and dramatic changing light, Iona is one of the most sacred sites in Britain. It was here in AD 563 that Columba and his followers arrived from Ireland to extend in Scotland and the north of England the gospel which had first been introduced by St Ninian at Whithorn in AD 397.
Iona is still a centre for Christian pilgrimage and its atmosphere of spirituality and the sense of serenity continue to inspire visitors and those who live and work on the island.
In the Trust's care, since 1979, are 2,250 acres of the island. The Abbey, other sacred buildings and historic sites were conveyed by the 8th Duke of Argyll in 1899 to the Iona Cathedral Trustees and are not owned by the Trust.
Over a century ago, the Abbey and monastic buildings were restored and in 1938, The Iona Community was founded to continue the tradition of worship in the abbey through daily services and teaching.
Iona's historical and religious attractions include the Abbey church and cloisters, St Columba's shrine, the site of St Columba's writing cell and a superb collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses.
In the Abbey graveyard, many early Scottish kings and chiefs, as well as kings from Ireland, Norway and France are buried and nearby are the remains of the 13th century nunnery.
Managed by Historic Scotland.
St Columba Centre
A modern interpretation centre focusing on the life and work of St Columba and the religious community he founded on Iona in AD 563
In Fionnphort, open summer only 10am to 5pm daily.
Admission free
Additional Information:
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Directions |
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Ferry (no cars) from Fionnphort, Isle of Mull. Ferry to Mull from Oban.
It is uphill from the ferry to the abbey, a walk of a quarter of a mile, however, a pre-booked taxi is available which can also carry folded wheelchairs. To book, telephone: 0781 032 5990. Access around the abbey, grounds, shop and cloister areas is generally good with ramps provided to cover most steps. Assistance can also be provided on request. |
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Iona Postcode for SatNav: PA76
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Contact
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SW of Mull
Argyll & Bute PA76 |
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Days Out near Iona
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Staffa (7 Miles)*
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Burg (8 Miles)*
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Duart Castle (27 Miles)*
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Torosay Castle & Gardens (27 Miles)*
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Easdale Island Folk Museum (28 Miles)*
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Arduaine Garden (32 Miles)*
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Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary (39 Miles)*
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Museum of Islay Life (39 Miles)*
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Crarae Gardens (45 Miles)*
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Glenfinnan Monument (50 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Iona
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Bunessan (6 Miles)*
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Lochaline (26 Miles)*
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Tarbert (32 Miles)*
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Oban (35 Miles)*
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Kilmartin (37 Miles)*
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Strontian (39 Miles)*
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Scotstown (40 Miles)*
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Lochgilphead (41 Miles)*
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Otter Ferry (46 Miles)*
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Glenfinnan (50 Miles)*
Also near Iona |
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