 |
Iona Abbey |
|
| |
Iona Abbey is one of Scotland’s most
historic and sacred sites. The abbey was founded by St
Columba in 563 AD. As a celebrated focus for
Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual
atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship.
The property is managed by Historic Scotland and is open
daily, 9.30 - 4.30 in Winter and 9.30 - 5.30 in Summer.
Click here for more
detailed historical information and photos.
|
 |
|
 |
Tel: 01681 700512
Click here for opening times and prices |
|
|
|
Iona Nunnery |
|
| |
The picturesque Nunnery ruins, with their
tranquil cloister garden, are close by the ferry
landing. The Iona Nunnery was once a Benedictine
convent, established in 1203, with Beatrice, daughter of
Somerled, as first prioress. The pink
granite walls that remain are amongst the best examples
of a medieval nunnery left in Britain. Admission is free
and the nunnery is open every day of the year.
Click here for more
information and photos. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Oran's Chapel |
|
| |
This chapel stands in its own burial
ground, Reilig Orain. Oran was a relative and disciple
of St. Columba. Kenneth MacAlpin the first King of Scots
was buried in the Reilig Orain in the mid-9th century,
as were succeeding Scottish kings until Macbeth (d 1057)
and traditionally kings of Ireland, Norway and France.
None of the monuments of the kings remain but many of
medieval clan chiefs survive.
Click here for more information. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golf Course |
|
| |
As you leave the ferry, turn left and
follow the road past Martyrs Bay and Traigh Mor. Walk up
the hill for ¾ of a mile until a gate is reached. Go
through the gate and in front is a magnificent stretch
of machair which doubles as Iona Golf Course. The grass
is kept clipped by the cattle and sheep that graze on
the machair and the golf course is free of charge. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Bay at the Back of the Ocean |
|
| |
Follow the directions above to Iona golf
course and you will come to the aptly named "Bay at the
Back of the Ocean" or it's gaelic name of
Camus Cul an t-Saimh.
From here there are views south to the Spouting Cave, at
its best after a strong north-westerly wind and at half
tide. It is possible to get quite close to the cave but
not recommended with young children. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Corncrake on Iona |
|
| |
Search for the elusive and skulking
Corncrake, one of Scotland’s rarest Summer migrants that
retains a stronghold on the island. Unearth the
delights of the machair, one of the rarest habitats in
Europe and marvel at a variety of Arctic-bound migratory
waders that refuel at The Bay at the Back of the Ocean
in Spring. Tours every Thursday and Sunday from May
until July.
Click here for details.
|
 |
|
|
|
Tel:
01688 301213
www.mullmagic.com |
|
|
|
The Hermit Cell |
|
| |
This Hermit Cell is a
powerful testimony to the power of
religious conviction in the history of
the island. This ancient ruin is
thought to have been built by a devout
hermit but nobody really knows
whether this was actually a hermit's
beehive cell or whether it was an
enclosure for animals. Mull Magic
offers regular walking tours of Iona.
Click here for more details.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Columba's Bay or
‘Port a Churaich’ |
|
| |
Your trip to Iona would not be complete
without the walk down to St. Columba's Bay where St.
Columba is thought to have landed in his coracle in 563
AD. Follow the road going south from the ferry and then
across the island to the golf course. From here follow
the track south over the hill. It can be quite boggy in
parts so stout footwear is advisable.
Click here if you would prefer a guided walk. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Marble Quarry |
|
| |
The quarry was first opened in the late
1700s by the Duke of Argyll but did not operate for long
because the marble was difficult to extract and
transport was uneconomical. It reopened in 1907 and
closed again at the end of World War I. There are
remains of a cutting frame, water tank, gas engine,
wheeled platform and white cut stone blocks. These are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Contact
Mull Magic for walks here. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
