Iona Abbey and Nunnery

Founded by St Columba in 563, the restored abbey and monastic buildings retain their spiritual atmosphere, and house a superb collection of over 180 medieval and religious carved stones. The nearby remains of the 13th century nunnery are the idyllic location to experience the tranquillity of this sacred isle.

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. Wheelchairs are available at the Abbey.

Public toilets are nearby at the Iona Community shop. Wheelchair access can be gained through the shop when open however there are no special facilities.
The adjacent graveyard has kings from Scotland, Norway, Ireland and France buried there and is testimony to the importance of the site. The nearby remains of the 13th century nunnery are the idyllic location to experience the tranquillity of this sacred isle.

On the original site of St Columbas monastery c.563. St Columbas Shrine dates from the 9th century, most of the present buildings from around 1200. The massive restoration of the Abbey Church was undertaken by the Iona Cathedral Trust, who own the buildings, and was completed in 1910. The Iona Community now occupy the monastic buildings which they restored under the leadership of the Rev Dr George MacLeod. Historic Scotland now have the resposibility to care for the Abbey and associated monuments. Beautiful Augustinian nunnery, 12th-century ruin, Reilig Odhrain (Royal burial ground), Street of the Dead, imposing standing crosses and one of the largest collections of early Christian carved stones in Europe. Ferry from Oban to Mull, by bus/car to fionnphort, pedestrian ferry to Iona.

Services: Sunday 10.30am and Monday to Saturday 2.00pm, March to October; also Monday to Saturday 9.00am all year

The Abbey is located on the island of Iona, public ferry from Fionnphort, Mull, tel: 01681 700512.

Contact

The Steward

Isle of Iona
Argyll
PA76 6SQ
Scotland

Tel: +44 (131) 6688800
E-Mail: hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
WWW: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk