Inside the City’s Most Ornate Church
Built in 1784, St. Columba’s Church, Long Tower, is both a house of God and a miniature art gallery.
1 Hour 20 Minutes Book A place of Worship, Wonder & Welcome
BookColumba Tours
We are specialists in Columban, Medieval and Monastic Derry
sharing exclusive, mind-streching, quirky tour content delivered by expert guides.
Located in the only dedicated Columba museum in the city of Derry,
we invite you to walk in the footsteps of St Columba – the conflicted, charismatic saint who changed the destiny of these islands forever.
Welcome to Aras Cholmcille
♱ Museum
♱ Cafe
♱ Gift Shop
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Explore
Explore medieval Derry via the pilgrim path with our amazing local guides.
We invite you to walk in the footsteps of the saint who changed the destiny of these islands forever. Our tours lead you deep into the sanctuary of St Columba’s Long Tower.
Plan Your Visit
St Columba’s Long Tower has been a living place of worship since the earliest of times. Here in the shadow of the city’s oldest structure, the base of the medieval ‘long’ round tower – you’ll discover one of the most ornate churches in Ireland…
Education
Delve into the remarkable history of the oldest book in Ireland and its connection to St Columba, the hawkish holyman who becomes dove of the church…
News
Stay connected with the latest events, community stories, and heritage highlights from St. Columba’s Long Tower. Discover how our living history continues to unfold.
Long Tower a place of Worship Wonder and Welcome
Consecrated in the middle of the 6th century, the island-hill of Derry was the spot chosen by St Columba to found his first church. Built of wattle and timber, the Dubh Regles (or black church) betokened 1500 years of continuous Christian worship on or near this very site.
St Columba’s Church Long Tower has been a place of worship, wonder and welcome for centuries. One of the most ornate churches in western Europe, it attracts visitors of all ages, and nationalities – of all faiths and none.
But it is first and foremost a place of worship and pilgrimage. The daily offering of Mass, morning and evening, beats in the womb of this city and the working-class heartlands spread at its feet.
In times of celebration and in times of trauma, this church has been a source of support, sometimes ease – always faith, hope and love.
Whatever your reason for visiting Long Tower, be assured you will receive a warm welcome – for here we honour the ancient monastic tradition of hospitality to pilgrims.
Cloisters Cafe & Gift Shop
Cloisters Café in the basement is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm, serving a full lunch menu until 2.15 pm. Saturday opening hours are from 10 am to 3 pm
Our museum and heritage centre is open Monday to Friday 10.30 am to 3 pm
Our souvenir and holy shop is open Monday to Friday 10.30 am to 3 pm
Disabled access, and toilets available
More to Explore
Plan your visit, Read our blog and much more!