1,500th anniversary of the birth of Colm Cille 2020/21

St. Colmcille (also known as St. Columba) is one of Ireland's patron saints, a distinction he shares with St. Patrick and St. Bridget. He was born in Gartan, County Donegal in 520 (or 521). There are many sites associated with the life of the inspirational ‘Colmcille’ and also dedicated to him throughout Derry and Donegal. In 545, he founded his first monastery in Derry / Doire Cholm Cille – and in 563 set sail with twelve monks from Derry to the island of Iona in Scotland where he died in 597.

Derry City and Strabane District Council have been working closely with Donegal County Council, Foras na Gaeilge and the Heritage Council in the production of the Columban Heritage Audit as a precursor to establishing a shared programme of works and events in 2020 /21 to celebrate one of the most influential figures in Irish and British history. The specially commissioned audit was carried out by Abarta Heritage and also helps to identify key opportunities for upcoming commemorations. Click HERE to download a copy of the audit

Please note

The downloadable file is 20MB