Columba

Irish: Colmcille; Scots: Columbkille;

7 December 521 – 9 June 597) was an Irish abbot and missionary evangelist credited with spreading

Christianity in what is today Scotland at the start of the Hiberno-Scottish mission.

He founded the important abbey on Iona, which became a dominant religious and political

institution in the region for centuries. He is the patron saint of Derry. He was highly regarded by both the

Gaels of Dál Riata and the Picts, and is remembered today as a Catholic saint and one of the

Twelve Apostles of Ireland. In Ireland, he is commonly known as Colmcille.

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olumba was born on 7th December 521 in Gartan, Co. Donegal of the Cenell Conaill clan descendants of the Irish high king Niall of the Nine Hostages.

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ne of twelve students of St Finnian who became known as the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He became a monk and eventually was ordained a priest.

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eaving his Clonard Abbey where he trained, he went on to found his first monastery in Derry. He went on to found many more monasteries and churches all over Ireland.

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psetting his teacher St. Finnian by copying a manuscript and keeping it, resulting in the first known copyright dispute, which Columba lost with the high king stating 'To every cow her calf and to every book its copy.'

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ore arguments resulted from this and in the end Columba's exile from Ireland. He along with 12 companions travelled to the isle of Iona in Scotland where he set up their monastery.

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eginning again from here he travelled and preached the gospel among the Pictish tribes of Scotland as well as creating a centre for literacy in the region.

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domnán (St. Eunan) a relative of St. Columba wrote the Vita Columbae (Life of Columba) detailing the stories of Columba and his legacy that survives today.

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.

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Features and Facilites

Artifacts & Manuscripts

Includes a range of artefacts and manuscripts that includes a facsimile of the Book of Kells, as well as items and objects relating to the 200 year history of the building.

Interactive Demos

Throughout the centre there are various interactive screens that allow you to read, watch videos and view galleries that tell the story of both St. Columba and the building itself.

Events

With 3  oors and ample space in a historic building, complete with dining space and demonstration areas the centre well equipped for various events.

Facilities

Facilities include dining area, toilets, parking nearby, Wi-Fi, Guided Tours, and Euro Accepted.