- Isle of Iona is in Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
- Inner Hebrides
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Isle of Iona
Iona is a tiny green island off the south-west tip of Mull, revered as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland. Its restored medieval abbey and white-shell beaches make it one of the most peaceful and significant religious sites in Britain.
The story of Isle of Iona
In 563 AD the Irish monk Columba landed on Iona and founded a monastery that became the base for the conversion of northern Britain to Christianity. The famous Book of Kells, an illuminated Gospel book dated to around 800 AD, is believed to have been begun by Iona's monks before being carried to Ireland to escape Viking raids. Iona is the burial place of dozens of early Scottish and Norse kings, including, by tradition, Macbeth. The abbey lay in ruins after the Reformation until the Iona Community, founded by George MacLeod in 1938, restored it as an ecumenical centre.
Visiting with care
Iona is reached only via Mull: take the Oban–Craignure ferry, drive to Fionnphort, then cross on the small foot ferry. The island is mostly car-free, so explore the abbey, the beaches and the walk to the Bay at the Back of the Ocean on foot.
Interesting facts
- St Columba founded the Iona monastery in 563 AD, making it one of the oldest Christian centres in Britain.
- Forty-eight early Scottish kings are said to be buried in Iona's Reilig Odhrain graveyard.
- The Book of Kells was likely started on Iona in the late 8th century before being taken to Kells in Ireland.
- The Iona Community, founded in 1938 by George MacLeod, restored the abbey and still runs retreats there.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.