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ABOUT | HISTORY | EVENTS | RESOURCES | GALLERY

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COLMCILLE 1500

1500 years ago, one of Ireland’s most famous sons was born in Gartan, Co. Donegal. With strong roots in the North West of Ireland, Colmcille (or St. Columba) went on to blaze a trail of cultural and social change around the world. He became one of Ireland’s three patron saints, the patron saint of Derry and his influence extends to this day.

Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council have come together, with support from the North West Development Fund, to commemorate Colmcille’s remarkable life and legacy with a series of events and activities throughout the coming year.

Keep up to date with the interactive calendar to find out about the latest events happening in celebration of the saint during this special year. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram by clicking the icons at the top of the page or sign up to the newsletter.

In the meantime, get to know more about the man by scrolling through the timeline below for an enlightening account of his eventful life. You can also find links to resources related to Colmcille and the 1500th commemorations.

History of Colmcille

EARLY YEARS
Born into Irish royalty, Colmcille may always have been destined to do great things. The Cineál Chonaill clan of the Uí Néill dynasty welcomed him into their family on 7th December 520 or 521 AD in Gartan, Co. Donegal. His father was Feilimí, a highly respected Tír Chonaill chief, while his mother Eithne was a princess descended from aristocratic circles in Leinster. The legendary and fierce pagan king, Niall of the Nine Hostages, is said to be Colmcille’s great-great grandfather – he is arguably most famous for capturing a young slave in Wales and bringing him to Ireland, with that slave turning out to be none other than St. Patrick. Despite his illustrious family and having a legitimate claim, Colmcille had no intention of taking up the Uí Néill throne.
EDUCATION
The most affluent at that time traditionally gave their children to foster parents to be educated and Columba was no different. He was taken in by a priest called Cruithnechán, the same man who baptised him and who then provided the youngster’s first taste of religious education, although he had previously been training in the poetic arts as a bard. He found his calling, however, when it came to Christianity and was educated firstly in Kilmacrennan, and later under Finnian of Movilla and Finnian of Clonard. Coincidentally, he also studied alongside others who would go on to become saints - most notably Kenneth and Comgall - and in 551 he was finally ordained as a priest.
FOUNDING OF DERRY MONASTERY
Colmcille is said to have planted the first seeds along the River Foyle’s west bank which led to the eventual sprouting of the modern-day City of Derry. A community grew in the area after Colmcille built a monastery in 545 which attracted many settlers given the cultural significance of the religious institution. The location was originally called Doire Calgaigh which translates as ‘oakwood of Calgach’ but it later became known as Doire Cholmcille, meaning ‘oakwood of Colmcille’, a testament to the high regard Columba was held in. Derry and the North West continue to honour Colmcille to this day – in fact, he is so highly thought of that in recent times an enormous statue of the man was proposed to be built on the bed of the River Foyle, not unlike the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
TORY ISLAND & GLENCOLMCILLE
Following the founding of Derry’s monastery, Colmcille is estimated to have established between 55 and 66 Christian sites throughout Ireland. These include monasteries in Drumcliffe, Kells and Durrow, but there were also several in County Donegal such as Raphoe, Kilmacrennan and Drumhome. Of special significance however are Glencolmcille, where he is said to have resided for two years, and Tory Island, where upon landing he was met with the pagan king Oilill. Oilill allowed Colmcille to build his monastery on a piece of land the same size as his cloak, but the cloak miraculously spread over the entire island. Angered, the king set his dog on the visitor but Colmcille made the sign of the cross, and the dog leapt into the sea to its death but left its footprints on a rock, which has been immortalised as the ‘Rock of the Hound.’
THE BATTLE OF CÚIL DREIMHNE
Colmcille became embroiled in an infamous scandal when Finnian of Movilla returned from Rome with a text entitled “Vulgate” which Colmcille wanted to copy. Finnian, however, refused to give him permission, but he copied it anyway, leading to a dispute that went to court and to Diarmaid, High King of Ireland. Diarmaid ruled in Finnian’s favour, declaring the immortal words: “To every cow its calf, to every book its copy.” Colmcille did not take the verdict well, and his sense of injustice led to him enlisting the Uí Néill clan’s help, which culminated in the violent Battle of Cúil Dreimhne in Sligo in 561. Over 3,000 men died fighting as Colmcille claimed victory over Diarmaid, allowing him to keep his copy (The Cathach). The bloodshed caused outrage among the church’s hierarchy, and Colmcille was banished from Ireland.
SETTLING IN IONA
Upon his banishment, Colmcille set sail across the Irish Sea for Dál Riata in Scotland in 563 alongside 12 companions. He was a man who had friends in high places - probably helped by his royal lineage – so he reached out to his cousin, the Scottish Gaelic king Conall mac Comhaill , who gifted him the island of Iona shortly after their arrival. It was here that Colmcille built his most famous monastery which went on to become one of the most renowned cultural and religious powerhouses in Britain and Ireland and was the catalyst for converting much of pagan Scotland, northern England and even parts of Europe to Christianity. Iona’s significance remained long after Colmcille’s death with the island’s monks creating numerous manuscripts, including the exceptional Book of Kells which is around 1200 years old.
MYTHICAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE LOCH NESS MONSTER
It is said that Colmcille was the first to happen upon the fabled Loch Ness monster in 565, three years after moving to Scotland. While he was traversing the Highlands on his mission to spread Christ’s word, the beast is said to have risen from the loch’s depths and hurtled towards Lughaidh, one of Colmcille’s disciples. Upon seeing the monster, Colmcille is said to have performed a miracle, telling it to “go back with all speed” in the name of God. The infamous figure immediately descended back from whence it came, sparing the life of Lughaidh. This legendary account comes from the writings of Adhamhnán, who documented Colmcille’s life over a century after his death.
THE CONVENTION OF DROIM CEAT
Colmcille returned to his Irish homeland for the legendary Convention of Droim Ceat in 578. Limavady was the location for this royal gathering of nobility involving Áedán mac Gabráin, King of Dál Riata and the Irish Cineál Chonaill king Aodh mac Ainmhireach. Colmcille is said to have been the brains behind the occasion, devising a plot against their common enemy Baothán mac Cairill, the king of East Ulster. The convention’s main aim was probably to display ‘strength in numbers’ and all parties realised an alliance would be to their benefit. It is said that Colmcille attached sods of Scottish soil to his shoes as he didn’t want to stand on Irish turf, while he also launched a stark defence of the bards who were coming under fire for their ‘twisted words.’
DEATH & LEGACY
Following an eventful and dramatic life, Colmcille most likely died on the 9th of June, 597 aged in his mid-seventies. Despite being buried by his loyal followers on Iona, some of his relics now lie in Downpatrick, Co. Down alongside illustrious company – his fellow Irish patron saints St. Patrick and St. Brigid. Colmcille’s legacy endures to this day – 1,500 years later, St. Columb’s Park in Derry, Glencolmcille in Donegal and St. Columba’s Parish in Edinburgh are just some of the hundreds of places worldwide that bear his name in tribute to his achievements.
Previous
Next
EARLY YEARS
Born into Irish royalty, Colmcille may always have been destined to do great things. The Cenél Conaill clan of the Uí Néill dynasty welcomed him into their family on 7th December 520 or 521 AD in Gartan, Co. Donegal. His father was Feidhlimid, a highly respected Tír Chonaill chief, while his mother Eithne was a princess descended from aristocratic circles in Leinster. The legendary and fierce pagan king, Niall of the Nine Hostages, is said to be Colmcille’s great-great grandfather – he is arguably most famous for capturing a young slave in Wales and bringing him to Ireland, with that slave turning out to be none other than St. Patrick. Despite his illustrious family and having a legitimate claim, Colmcille had no intention of taking up the Uí Néill throne.
EDUCATION
The most affluent at that time traditionally gave their children to foster parents to be educated and Columba was no different. He was taken in by a priest called Cruithnechán, the same man who baptised him and who then provided the youngster’s first taste of religious education, although he had previously been training in the poetic arts as a bard. He found his calling, however, when it came to Christianity and was educated firstly in Kilmacrennan, and later under Finnian of Movilla and Finnian of Clonard. Coincidentally, he also studied alongside others who would go on to become saints - most notably Kenneth and Comgall - and in 551 he was finally ordained as a priest.
FOUNDING OF DERRY MONASTERY
Colmcille is said to have planted the first seeds along the River Foyle’s west bank which led to the eventual sprouting of the modern-day City of Derry. A community grew in the area after Colmcille built a monastery in 545 which attracted many settlers given the cultural significance of the religious institution. The location was originally called Daire Calgaich which translates as ‘oakwood of Calgaich’ but it later became known as Doire Colmcille, meaning ‘oakwood of Colmcille’, a testament to the high regard Columba was held in. Derry and the North West continue to honour Colmcille to this day – in fact, he is so highly thought of that in recent times an enormous statue of the man was proposed to be built on the bed of the River Foyle, not unlike the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
TORY ISLAND & GLENCOLMCILLE
Following the founding of Derry’s monastery, Colmcille is estimated to have established between 55 and 66 Christian sites throughout Ireland. These include monasteries in Drumcliffe, Kells and Durrow, but there were also several in County Donegal such as Raphoe, Kilmacrennan and Drumhome. Of special significance however are Glencolmcille, where he is said to have resided for two years, and Tory Island, where upon landing he was met with the pagan king Oilill. Oilill allowed Colmcille to build his monastery on a piece of land the same size as his cloak, but the cloak miraculously spread over the entire island. Angered, the king set his dog on the visitor but Colmcille made the sign of the cross, and the dog leapt into the sea to its death but left its footprints on a rock, which has been immortalised as the ‘Rock of the Hound.’
THE BATTLE OF CÚL DREIMHNE
Colmcille became embroiled in an infamous scandal when Finnian of Movilla returned from Rome with a text entitled “Vulgate” which Colmcille wanted to copy. Finnian, however, refused to give him permission, but he copied it anyway, leading to a dispute that went to court and to Diarmuid, High King of Ireland. Diarmuid ruled in Finnian’s favour, declaring the immortal words: “To every cow its calf, to every book its copy.” Colmcille did not take the verdict well, and his sense of injustice led to him enlisting the Uí Néill clan’s help, which culminated in the violent Battle of Cúl Dreimhne in Sligo in 561. Over 3,000 men died fighting as Colmcille claimed victory over Diarmuid, allowing him to keep his copy (The Cathach). The bloodshed caused outrage among the church’s hierarchy, and Colmcille was banished from Ireland.
SETTLING IN IONA
Upon his banishment, Colmcille set sail across the Irish Sea for Dál Riata in Scotland in 563 alongside 12 companions. He was a man who had friends in high places - probably helped by his royal lineage – so he reached out to his cousin, the Scottish Gaelic king Conall mac Comgall, who gifted him the island of Iona shortly after their arrival. It was here that Colmcille built his most famous monastery which went on to become one of the most renowned cultural and religious powerhouses in Britain and Ireland and was the catalyst for converting much of pagan Scotland, northern England and even parts of Europe to Christianity. Iona’s significance remained long after Colmcille’s death with the island’s monks creating numerous manuscripts, including the exceptional Book of Kells which is around 1200 years old.
MYTHICAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE LOCH NESS MONSTER
It is said that Colmcille was the first to happen upon the fabled Loch Ness monster in 565, three years after moving to Scotland. While he was traversing the Highlands on his mission to spread Christ’s word, the beast is said to have risen from the loch’s depths and hurtled towards Lugne, one of Colmcille’s disciples. Upon seeing the monster, Colmcille is said to have performed a miracle, telling it to “go back with all speed” in the name of God. The infamous figure immediately descended back from whence it came, sparing the life of Lugne. This legendary account comes from the writings of Adomnán, who documented Colmcille’s life over a century after his death.
THE CONVENTION OF DRUM CEAT
Colmcille returned to his Irish homeland for the legendary Convention of Drum Ceat in 578. Limavady was the location for this royal gathering of nobility involving Áedán mac Gabráin, King of Dál Riata and the Irish Cenél Conaill king Áed mac Ainmerech. Colmcille is said to have been the brains behind the occasion, devising a plot against their common enemy Báetán mac Cairill, the king of East Ulster. The convention’s main aim was probably to display ‘strength in numbers’ and all parties realised an alliance would be to their benefit. It is said that Colmcille attached sods of Scottish soil to his shoes as he didn’t want to stand on Irish turf, while he also launched a stark defence of the bards who were coming under fire for their ‘twisted words.’
DEATH & LEGACY
Following an eventful and dramatic life, Colmcille most likely died on the 9th of June, 597 aged in his mid-seventies. Despite being buried by his loyal followers on Iona, some of his relics now lie in Downpatrick, Co. Down alongside illustrious company – his fellow Irish patron saints St. Patrick and St. Brigid. Colmcille’s legacy endures to this day – 1,500 years later, St. Columb’s Park in Derry, Glencolmcille in Donegal and St. Columba’s Parish in Edinburgh are just some of the hundreds of places worldwide that bear his name in tribute to his achievements.
Previous
Next
EARLY YEARS
Born into Irish royalty, Colmcille may always have been destined to do great things. The Cenél Conaill clan of the Uí Néill dynasty welcomed him into their family on 7th December 520 or 521 AD in Gartan, Co. Donegal. His father was Feidhlimid, a highly respected Tír Chonaill chief, while his mother Eithne was a princess descended from aristocratic circles in Leinster. The legendary and fierce pagan king, Niall of the Nine Hostages, is said to be Colmcille’s great-great grandfather – he is arguably most famous for capturing a young slave in Wales and bringing him to Ireland, with that slave turning out to be none other than St. Patrick. Despite his illustrious family and having a legitimate claim, Colmcille had no intention of taking up the Uí Néill throne.
EDUCATION
The most affluent at that time traditionally gave their children to foster parents to be educated and Columba was no different. He was taken in by a priest called Cruithnechán, the same man who baptised him and who then provided the youngster’s first taste of religious education, although he had previously been training in the poetic arts as a bard. He found his calling, however, when it came to Christianity and was educated firstly in Kilmacrennan, and later under Finnian of Movilla and Finnian of Clonard. Coincidentally, he also studied alongside others who would go on to become saints - most notably Kenneth and Comgall - and in 551 he was finally ordained as a priest.
FOUNDING OF DERRY MONASTERY
Colmcille is said to have planted the first seeds along the River Foyle’s west bank which led to the eventual sprouting of the modern-day City of Derry. A community grew in the area after Colmcille built a monastery in 545 which attracted many settlers given the cultural significance of the religious institution. The location was originally called Daire Calgaich which translates as ‘oakwood of Calgaich’ but it later became known as Doire Colmcille, meaning ‘oakwood of Colmcille’, a testament to the high regard Columba was held in. Derry and the North West continue to honour Colmcille to this day – in fact, he is so highly thought of that in recent times an enormous statue of the man was proposed to be built on the bed of the River Foyle, not unlike the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
TORY ISLAND & GLENCOLMCILLE
Following the founding of Derry’s monastery, Colmcille is estimated to have established between 55 and 66 Christian sites throughout Ireland. These include monasteries in Drumcliffe, Kells and Durrow, but there were also several in County Donegal such as Raphoe, Kilmacrennan and Drumhome. Of special significance however are Glencolmcille, where he is said to have resided for two years, and Tory Island, where upon landing he was met with the pagan king Oilill. Oilill allowed Colmcille to build his monastery on a piece of land the same size as his cloak, but the cloak miraculously spread over the entire island. Angered, the king set his dog on the visitor but Colmcille made the sign of the cross, and the dog leapt into the sea to its death but left its footprints on a rock, which has been immortalised as the ‘Rock of the Hound.’
THE BATTLE OF CÚL DREIMHNE
Colmcille became embroiled in an infamous scandal when Finnian of Movilla returned from Rome with a text entitled “Vulgate” which Colmcille wanted to copy. Finnian, however, refused to give him permission, but he copied it anyway, leading to a dispute that went to court and to Diarmuid, High King of Ireland. Diarmuid ruled in Finnian’s favour, declaring the immortal words: “To every cow its calf, to every book its copy.” Colmcille did not take the verdict well, and his sense of injustice led to him enlisting the Uí Néill clan’s help, which culminated in the violent Battle of Cúl Dreimhne in Sligo in 561. Over 3,000 men died fighting as Colmcille claimed victory over Diarmuid, allowing him to keep his copy (The Cathach). The bloodshed caused outrage among the church’s hierarchy, and Colmcille was banished from Ireland.
SETTLING IN IONA
Upon his banishment, Colmcille set sail across the Irish Sea for Dál Riata in Scotland in 563 alongside 12 companions. He was a man who had friends in high places - probably helped by his royal lineage – so he reached out to his cousin, the Scottish Gaelic king Conall mac Comgall, who gifted him the island of Iona shortly after their arrival. It was here that Colmcille built his most famous monastery which went on to become one of the most renowned cultural and religious powerhouses in Britain and Ireland and was the catalyst for converting much of pagan Scotland, northern England and even parts of Europe to Christianity. Iona’s significance remained long after Colmcille’s death with the island’s monks creating numerous manuscripts, including the exceptional Book of Kells which is around 1200 years old.
MYTHICAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE LOCH NESS MONTSER
It is said that Colmcille was the first to happen upon the fabled Loch Ness monster in 565, three years after moving to Scotland. While he was traversing the Highlands on his mission to spread Christ’s word, the beast is said to have risen from the loch’s depths and hurtled towards Lugne, one of Colmcille’s disciples. Upon seeing the monster, Colmcille is said to have performed a miracle, telling it to “go back with all speed” in the name of God. The infamous figure immediately descended back from whence it came, sparing the life of Lugne. This legendary account comes from the writings of Adomnán, who documented Colmcille’s life over a century after his death.
THE CONVENTION OF DRUM CEAT
Colmcille returned to his Irish homeland for the legendary Convention of Drum Ceat in 578. Limavady was the location for this royal gathering of nobility involving Áedán mac Gabráin, King of Dál Riata and the Irish Cenél Conaill king Áed mac Ainmerech. Colmcille is said to have been the brains behind the occasion, devising a plot against their common enemy Báetán mac Cairill, the king of East Ulster. The convention’s main aim was probably to display ‘strength in numbers’ and all parties realised an alliance would be to their benefit. It is said that Colmcille attached sods of Scottish soil to his shoes as he didn’t want to stand on Irish turf, while he also launched a stark defence of the bards who were coming under fire for their ‘twisted words.’
DEATH & LEGACY
Following an eventful and dramatic life, Colmcille most likely died on the 9th of June, 597 aged in his mid-seventies. Despite being buried by his loyal followers on Iona, some of his relics now lie in Downpatrick, Co. Down alongside illustrious company – his fellow Irish patron saints St. Patrick and St. Brigid. Colmcille’s legacy endures to this day – 1,500 years later, St. Columb’s Park in Derry, Glencolmcille in Donegal and St. Columba’s Parish in Edinburgh are just some of the hundreds of places worldwide that bear his name in tribute to his achievements.
Previous
Next

HIGHLIGHT EVENTS

EXHIBITION OF AN CATHACH – ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY
MARCH – DECEMBER

EXHIBITION ‘COLMCILLE – MAN AND MYTH’ 
TOWER MUSEUM/DONEGAL COUNTY MUSEUM

SLÍ COLMCILLE – LÍONRA LEITIR CEANAINN                              JUNE

BOOKS & BEYOND – LECTURE SERIES (DCC LIBRARIES)
AUGUST

COLMCILLE 1500: A JOURNEY THROUGH IRELAND & SCOTLAND VIRTUAL EVENT – 6 DECEMBER

LIGHT OF THE DOVE – LONG TOWER DERRY                        EVENT – 7 DECEMBER

Submit an Event
Do you have a Colmcille 1500 related event?
Submit it to the councils for a possible feature on this website.
Past Events

Colmcille 1500 online events or activities that have taken place or been released for the 1500th anniversary.

The Colmcille 1500 Commemorations will feature a number of social and cultural events marking the legacy of the saint over the course of 2021.  

 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic it will be necessary for many of these events to take place virtually. However, we are hopeful that we will be able to invite members of the public to attend certain events in person as and when we are given the go ahead from the authorities in all jurisdictions. 

 Any event taking place will comply fully with the relevant COVID-19 safety regulations and attendees will be asked to wear a mask when required, maintain social distancing and ensure frequent hand washing and/or sanitising. 

 If you have returned a positive test for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a positive case within ten days of any event, attendance will be forbidden. Ticket refunds can be arranged in this situation. 

 These measures are necessary in order to ensure any events planned can proceed in the safest possible manner. 

FULL EVENTS CALENDAR



RESOURCES

Links to other useful Colmcille information sources.

NEWS

Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the Colmcille 1500 programme.

AWARDS

Find out about the projects awarded funding through the Colmcille 1500 Grant Scheme.

KIDS

Stories and illustrations of Colmcille’s life and legacy.

GALLERY

colmcille1500

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Nov 30

Open
One week until Colmcille’s 1500th birthday! ✨ There are many exciting events and virtual experiences happening over the next few days. See below for an overlook of what’s coming up: 1-6 December | Seanchas Cholmcille are launching their series of six videos, in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge, on their social media channels and on their website. @molsceal 6 December | The Colmcille 1500: A Journey Through Ireland & Scotland webinar will take place from 2-4pm. Join the webinar here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dt85yzwAS8yB9HrlqvIPFw 7 December | Colmcille 1500 Birthday! Stay tuned for another post with a full list of events. You can also visit our website to peruse events near you here: colmcille1500.com #colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #celebrate

One week until Colmcille’s 1500th birthday! ✨

There are many exciting events and virtual experiences happening over the next few days. See below for an overlook of what’s coming up:

1-6 December | Seanchas Cholmcille are launching their series of six videos, in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge, on their social media channels and on their website.
@molsceal

6 December | The Colmcille 1500: A Journey Through Ireland & Scotland webinar will take place from 2-4pm. Join the webinar here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dt85yzwAS8yB9HrlqvIPFw

7 December | Colmcille 1500 Birthday! Stay tuned for another post with a full list of events. You can also visit our website to peruse events near you here: colmcille1500.com

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #celebrate ...

colmcille1500

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Nov 24

Open
Congratulations to our Colmcille 1500 Giveaway WINNERS! 👏✨ Mairéad Boyle & Geraldine McKelvey have each won a pair of tickets to see Brian Friel’s ‘The Enemy Within’ production at the @angrianantheatre. We hope you enjoy the show! Thank you to everyone who participated. #colmcille1500 #colmcille #winners

Congratulations to our Colmcille 1500 Giveaway WINNERS! 👏✨

Mairéad Boyle & Geraldine McKelvey have each won a pair of tickets to see Brian Friel’s ‘The Enemy Within’ production at the @angrianantheatre. We hope you enjoy the show!

Thank you to everyone who participated.

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #winners ...

colmcille1500

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Nov 16

Open
Exactly 3 weeks until St. Colmcille’s 1,500th birthday! There is plenty in the works to celebrate this joyous occasion. Stay up-to-date on our website in the events section and watch our platforms details. #colmcille1500 #colmcille #columba #giveaway #birthday #ireland #doire #derry #donegal

Exactly 3 weeks until St. Colmcille’s 1,500th birthday!

There is plenty in the works to celebrate this joyous occasion. Stay up-to-date on our website in the events section and watch our platforms details.

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #columba #giveaway #birthday #ireland #doire #derry #donegal ...

colmcille1500

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Oct 28

Open
This stamp from 1997 depicts St. Colmcille in a boat with some loyal disciples. His voyages between Ireland and Scotland were done in currachs and one can only imagine the bravery it took to travel such great distances in those times. The stamp was produced by the Royal mail as a part of the 1400th anniversary of St. Colmcille’s death. #colmcille1500 #colmcille #history #stamp #stcolumba

This stamp from 1997 depicts St. Colmcille in a boat with some loyal disciples. His voyages between Ireland and Scotland were done in currachs and one can only imagine the bravery it took to travel such great distances in those times.

The stamp was produced by the Royal mail as a part of the 1400th anniversary of St. Colmcille’s death.

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #history #stamp #stcolumba ...

colmcille1500

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Oct 27

Open
#Colmcille1500 | History Ireland Hedge School | The Allingham Festival Sunday 3rd November at 3pm | Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon 'Colmcille 1500 - Man, Myth & Memory' What do we know about Columba the man? How much of what we know is based on subsequent myth and legend? And how has he been remembered over the centuries? To address these and related questions join History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham, in conversation with Revd. David Houlton, Dr Brian Lacey, and Helen Meehan. For further details and to book tickets go to: https://www.allinghamfestival.com/allingham-programme?tag=Sunday

#Colmcille1500 | History Ireland Hedge School |

The Allingham Festival Sunday 3rd November at 3pm | Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon

'Colmcille 1500 - Man, Myth & Memory'
What do we know about Columba the man? How much of what we know is based on subsequent myth and legend? And how has he been remembered over the centuries? To address these and related questions join History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham, in conversation with Revd. David Houlton, Dr Brian Lacey, and Helen Meehan.

For further details and to book tickets go to: https://www.allinghamfestival.com/allingham-programme?tag=Sunday ...

colmcille1500

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Oct 21

Open
St. Colmcille is celebrated across the world, in places the saint never even visited himself before. Places like this, the ‘St. Columba Falls’ in Tasmania, provide a beautiful homage to the saint’s legacy. We will be running an international competition to find the furthest place from Colmcille’s birthplace (Gartan, Co. Donegal) that is named after him. Stay tuned! #colmcille #stcolumba #saint #tasmania #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #waterfalls

St. Colmcille is celebrated across the world, in places the saint never even visited himself before. Places like this, the ‘St. Columba Falls’ in Tasmania, provide a beautiful homage to the saint’s legacy.

We will be running an international competition to find the furthest place from Colmcille’s birthplace (Gartan, Co. Donegal) that is named after him. Stay tuned!

#colmcille #stcolumba #saint #tasmania #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #waterfalls ...

colmcille1500

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Oct 14

Open
St. Molaise, an old friend of Colmcille, told him he must leave Ireland and wouldn’t be able to see the is-land again until he had converted as many people as had died in the battle of Cúl Dreimhne. That’s almost 3,000 people. The next day Colmcille took 12 monks with him in a small boat and they sailed up Lough Foyle. It is said that he could see family, friends, and even some animals running after them to wave goodbye. Source: Donegal County Archives ‘Colmcille Life and Legacy Edu-cation Pack’ by Abarta Heritage #colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #derry #loughfoyle #church

St. Molaise, an old friend of Colmcille, told him he must leave Ireland and wouldn’t be able to see the is-land again until he had converted as many people as had died in the battle of Cúl Dreimhne. That’s almost 3,000 people.

The next day Colmcille took 12 monks with him in a small boat and they sailed up Lough Foyle.

It is said that he could see family, friends, and even some animals running after them to wave goodbye.

Source: Donegal County Archives ‘Colmcille Life and Legacy Edu-cation Pack’ by Abarta Heritage

#colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #derry #loughfoyle #church ...

colmcille1500

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Oct 12

Open
Did you know that monks didn’t believe in comfort? St Colmcille himself often slept on a bed of stone with another stone for a pillow. Source: Donegal County Archives ‘Colmcille Life and Legacy Education Pack’ by Abarta Heritage #colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #church

Did you know that monks didn’t believe in comfort? St Colmcille himself often slept on a bed of stone with another stone for a pillow.

Source: Donegal County Archives ‘Colmcille Life and Legacy Education Pack’ by Abarta Heritage

#colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #church ...

colmcille1500

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Oct 7

Open
St. Augustine’s Church, Derry~Londonderry is said to be built on the site of Colmcille’s first church, built when the saint was only 25 years old. The church brought many people to the area. They settled down and together built the magnificent city it is today. Source: Donegal County Archives ‘Colmcille Life and Legacy Education Pack’ by Abarta Heritage #colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #derry #staugustine #church

St. Augustine’s Church, Derry~Londonderry is said to be built on the site of Colmcille’s first church, built when the saint was only 25 years old.

The church brought many people to the area. They settled down and together built the magnificent city it is today.

Source: Donegal County Archives ‘Colmcille Life and Legacy Education Pack’ by Abarta Heritage

#colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 #derry #staugustine #church ...

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Oct 6

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Columcille the Scribe My hand is cramped from penwork. My quill has a tapered point. Its birthmouth issues a blue-dark Beetle-sparkle of ink. Wisdom keeps welling in streams From my fine-drawn sallow hand: Riverrun on the vellum Of ink from green-skinned holly. My small runny pen keeps going Through books, through thick and thin, To enrich the scholars’ holdings — Penwork that cramps my hand. A translation by poet Seamus Heaney of an 11th century Irish poem 'Sgith mo chrob ón scríbinn'. You can see a copy of the poem on display at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and in Central Library in Letterkenny. #colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500

Columcille the Scribe
My hand is cramped from penwork.
My quill has a tapered point.
Its birthmouth issues a blue-dark
Beetle-sparkle of ink.
Wisdom keeps welling in streams
From my fine-drawn sallow hand:
Riverrun on the vellum
Of ink from green-skinned holly.
My small runny pen keeps going
Through books, through thick and thin,
To enrich the scholars’ holdings —
Penwork that cramps my hand.

A translation by poet Seamus Heaney of an 11th century Irish poem 'Sgith mo chrob ón scríbinn'. You can see a copy of the poem on display at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and in Central Library in Letterkenny.

#colmcille #stcolumba #saint #ireland #irish #stcolmcille #colmcille1500 ...

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Oct 4

Open
#colmcille1500 |Colmcille 1500 Schools Competition | Donegal & Derry | Deadline 15th October 2021 Did you know that there is a Colmcille 1500 schools competition still open? The Raphoe Diocesan Colmcille 1500 Committee organised the competition to inspire schools across Donegal and Derry to create a project to explore the life and legacy of Colmcille/Columba across the curriculum in your own setting, uniquely designed for your students. Schools which have not yet registered are encouraged to get in touch via colmcilleschoolsproject@gmail.com and to post updates on progress via your school’s social media feeds using the hashtag #colmcille1500. For further details follow this link – noting that the deadline was extended to 15th October 2021. A very useful list of resources has also been provided. https://colmcille.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Colmcille1500-Schools-Project-Primary.pdf Déan teagmháil linn le do thoil ag colmcilleschoolsproject@gmail.com má tá spéis agat tionscadal a chruthú. Ba mhaith linn clár de scoileanna rannpháirteacha a thiomsú, agus a iarraidh ort scéalta agus nuacht ar bhur ndul chun cinn a chur suas ar na meáin shóisialta leis an haischlib #colmcille1500. Tá deis ar dóigh anseo do scoileanna i nDún na nGall agus i nDoire a bheith ag comhoibriú ar thionscadal speisialta amach.

#colmcille1500 |Colmcille 1500 Schools Competition | Donegal & Derry | Deadline 15th October 2021

Did you know that there is a Colmcille 1500 schools competition still open? The Raphoe Diocesan Colmcille 1500 Committee organised the competition to inspire schools across Donegal and Derry to create a project to explore the life and legacy of Colmcille/Columba across the curriculum in your own setting, uniquely designed for your students. Schools which have not yet registered are encouraged to get in touch via colmcilleschoolsproject@gmail.com and to post updates on progress via your school’s social media feeds using the hashtag #colmcille1500.

For further details follow this link – noting that the deadline was extended to 15th October 2021. A very useful list of resources has also been provided.
https://colmcille.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Colmcille1500-Schools-Project-Primary.pdf

Déan teagmháil linn le do thoil ag colmcilleschoolsproject@gmail.com má tá spéis agat tionscadal a chruthú. Ba mhaith linn clár de scoileanna rannpháirteacha a thiomsú, agus a iarraidh ort scéalta agus nuacht ar bhur ndul chun cinn a chur suas ar na meáin shóisialta leis an haischlib #colmcille1500. Tá deis ar dóigh anseo do scoileanna i nDún na nGall agus i nDoire a bheith ag comhoibriú ar thionscadal speisialta amach. ...

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Sep 28

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Founded in 1879 in Derry, St Columb's College has the unique distinction in Ireland of being the alma mater of two Nobel Laureates. In recent years, former Bishop of Derry, Seamus Hegarty made reference to St. Columb’s College saying: “May it continue to send out students who like St. Colmcille its patron, are strong in faith, firm in hope and active in charity. Source: Donegal Annual 2021 #colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry #angels #thursday #gartan

Founded in 1879 in Derry, St Columb's College has the unique distinction in Ireland of being the alma mater of two Nobel Laureates.

In recent years, former Bishop of Derry, Seamus Hegarty made reference to St. Columb’s College saying: “May it continue to send out students who like St. Colmcille its patron, are strong in faith, firm in hope and active in charity.

Source: Donegal Annual 2021

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry #angels #thursday #gartan ...

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Sep 23

Open
Adomnán was one of the most significant churchmen and intellectuals of the seventh century. He is a relative and ‘hero’ of St. Colmcille and the author of the Latin book Vita Columbae. The earliest surviving manuscript of this text is in Schaffausen in Switzerland. It contains the oldest written form of the name of any place in County Donegal. That place being Drumhome near Ballintra, which Adomnán gives the Latin form Dors[um] Tómme. Irish historian, Brian Lacey, recently published a book on the saint called ‘Adomnán, Adhamhnán, Eunan: Life and afterlife of a Donegal Saint.’ You can find his book here: https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/new-year-folder/adomnan-adhamhnan-eunan/ Source: Donegal Annual 2021 #colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry #brianlacey #book #donegalsaint

Adomnán was one of the most significant churchmen and intellectuals of the seventh century. He is a relative and ‘hero’ of St. Colmcille and the author of the Latin book Vita Columbae. The earliest surviving manuscript of this text is in Schaffausen in Switzerland. It contains the oldest written form of the name of any place in County Donegal. That place being Drumhome near Ballintra, which Adomnán gives the Latin form Dors[um] Tómme.

Irish historian, Brian Lacey, recently published a book on the saint called ‘Adomnán, Adhamhnán, Eunan: Life and afterlife of a Donegal Saint.’

You can find his book here: https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/new-year-folder/adomnan-adhamhnan-eunan/

Source: Donegal Annual 2021

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry #brianlacey #book #donegalsaint ...

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Sep 22

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"#Colmcille 1500 | Colmcille - Boy of Gartan A short contemplative film as an interpretation of Saint Colmcille as a child at play. Showcasing historical sites around his birth place in Gartan, the piece shows that although modern life goes on, Gartan retains its sense of quiet spirituality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EslOMLKpA8v This is another of our Colmcille 1500 grant awards which are funded by the North West Development Fund and Creative Ireland, in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and The Irish Government. "

"#Colmcille 1500 | Colmcille - Boy of Gartan

A short contemplative film as an interpretation of Saint Colmcille as a child at play. Showcasing historical sites around his birth place in Gartan, the piece shows that although modern life goes on, Gartan retains its sense of quiet spirituality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EslOMLKpA8v

This is another of our Colmcille 1500 grant awards which are funded by the North West Development Fund and Creative Ireland, in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and The Irish Government.
" ...

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Sep 17

Open
Roughly 1.5 km north of Cnoc an tSuidhe is the site known in the Middle Ages as Cédimthect Choluim Cille, [‘First Walk of Colum Cille’]. Ó Domhnaill said it was ‘the place where Colmcille took his first steps and his first walk as a child’ and that ‘it is contrary to nature that anyone who goes on pilgrimage to that place brings away disease or sickness of any kind with them’. Source: Donegal Annual 2021 #colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry

Roughly 1.5 km north of Cnoc an tSuidhe is the site known in the Middle Ages as Cédimthect Choluim Cille, [‘First Walk of Colum Cille’]. Ó Domhnaill said it was ‘the place where Colmcille took his first steps and his first walk as a child’ and that ‘it is contrary to nature that anyone who goes on pilgrimage to that place brings away disease or sickness of any kind with them’.

Source: Donegal Annual 2021

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry ...

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Sep 14

Open
St. Colmcille’s relations Cenél Conailll’s kingdom originated in agricultural land of east Donegal. Their headquarters was at what is now called Croghan Hill, a Ridge above the River Finn stretching between Lifford and Castlefin. Before St. Colmcille’s death the kingdom expanded to double its original extent, stretching from Derry to Donegal town. Relatives of the saint, Sétna and Àed mac Ainmirech were powerful and ambitious kings during this time. Source: Donegal Annual 2021 #colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry

St. Colmcille’s relations Cenél Conailll’s kingdom originated in agricultural land of east Donegal. Their headquarters was at what is now called Croghan Hill, a Ridge above the River Finn stretching between Lifford and Castlefin.

Before St. Colmcille’s death the kingdom expanded to double its original extent, stretching from Derry to Donegal town. Relatives of the saint, Sétna and Àed mac Ainmirech were powerful and ambitious kings during this time.

Source: Donegal Annual 2021

#colmcille1500 #colmcille #stcolumba #familytree #saint #donegal #derry ...

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Sep 4

Open
"#Colmcille1500 | @HistoricEnvScotland | St Columba’s Scotland Historic Environment Scotland is marking the 1500th anniversary year through a poetry project to celebrate Columba as the ‘Patron Saint of Poetry ‘- mapping his time in Scotland, the nine places that he touched, alongside the poetry they have inspired. Today we bring you one of these locations and the poem inspired by the Poet in Residence. You can see all of the sites at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ae1235fda91c489e83a414a0d580d4fb and download a beautiful collection of the poems at https://www.historicenvironment.scot/media/7508/st-columba-poetry.pdf SITE 9: Dunkeld Cathedral With frequent Viking raids along the western Islands, in 849 the relics of St Columba were removed from Iona for protection. They were brought to Dunkeld by King Kenneth MacAlpin, who appointed a bishop at Dunkeld, and Columba became the patron saint of Dunkeld and its monastery. Removed to Ireland after the Reformation, some believe there are still relics of Columba hidden within the Cathedral grounds. "

"#Colmcille1500 | @HistoricEnvScotland | St Columba’s Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland is marking the 1500th anniversary year through a poetry project to celebrate Columba as the ‘Patron Saint of Poetry ‘- mapping his time in Scotland, the nine places that he touched, alongside the poetry they have inspired.
Today we bring you one of these locations and the poem inspired by the Poet in Residence. You can see all of the sites at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ae1235fda91c489e83a414a0d580d4fb and download a beautiful collection of the poems at https://www.historicenvironment.scot/media/7508/st-columba-poetry.pdf

SITE 9: Dunkeld Cathedral
With frequent Viking raids along the western Islands, in 849 the relics of St Columba were removed from Iona for protection. They were brought to Dunkeld by King Kenneth MacAlpin, who appointed a bishop at Dunkeld, and Columba became the patron saint of Dunkeld and its monastery. Removed to Ireland after the Reformation, some believe there are still relics of Columba hidden within the Cathedral grounds.
" ...

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