Iona Abbey

Take a ferry ride to Iona and discover one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

This small island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever since St. Columba arrived in AD 563. Despite various Viking raids, Columba’s monastery managed to survive until the end of the 12th century. In the early 1200s, the sons of Somerled, ‘King of the Isles’ founded a Benedictine abbey here. Pilgrimage to St Columba’s Shrine continued to develop, although monastic life on Iona ended with the Protestant Reformation of 1560.

The abbey may close at short notice due to weather disruption to the ferry service. Please check the status of the ferry crossing before travelling. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry. 

Opening Times

1 April to 30 September: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm; Sunday, 12.30pm to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm).

1 October to 31 March: Daily except Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm).

The site will be open on Sunday 6, 13 and 20 October.

The abbey may close at short notice due to weather disruption to the ferry service. Please check the status of the ferry crossing before travelling.