Iona Abbey (HS)

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One of Scotland's most historic and venerated sites, Iona Abbey is an important Christian centre. It was on the island of Iona in about 563AD that St Columba and twelve other monks from Ireland established a monastery. This celtic church soon became a respected seat of learning. The monks compiled a great library of illuminated manuscripts and are credited with the creation here of the famous Book of Kells. The island suffered from Viking raids, the worst being that of 806 when 68 monks were massacred on the sands of Martyrs Bay. In 1263, Reginald, son of Somerland, Lord of the Isles, established an Augustinian nunnery and a Benedictine monastery here. Some three hundred years later during the Reformation, both nunnery and abbey were ransacked and all but three of the island's 360 crosses destroyed. In ruins for over 400 years, the abbey was restored and the cloisters rebuilt at the beginning of the last century. St Oran's Chapel to the south of the abbey dates from the 12th century. It stands at the centre of Reilig Odhrain, the sacred burial ground, said to contain the remains of sixty kings of Norway, Ireland, France and Scotland. The museum at the rear of the abbey houses a collection of medieval graveslabs
Ouvert
March - September: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 6.30pm. October - March: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 4.30pm. Closed 25th, 26th December.and 1st, 2nd January.
Entrée / Tarif
Adult £4.00; Child £1.60; Concession £3.00. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessible aux handicapés
Reasonable wheelchair access. 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.
Comment nous trouver
Ferry service from Fionnphort, Isle of Mull
Information et contact
Iona Abbey (HS)
Isle of Iona
Argyll
PA76 6SQ
Tél.: 01681 700512
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