ST COLUMBA HERITAGE CENTRE

EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF THE CITY'S FOUNDING FATHER

Aras Cholmcille

St. Columba Heritage Centre is based in a 19th-century school building on the grounds of the Long Tower Church.

The Walled City

Based in Derry - Londonderry near the site where St. Columba first founded his monastery. Here you can learn about the history of the city and its connections to St Columba

History that comes to life

An interactive experience detailing the extraordinary life of the city's founding father, complimented with a range of artifacts and manuscripts, as well as items and objects relating to the 200 year history of the building

Columba

Irish: Colm Cille; 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.

Columba 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.

One 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.

Leaving 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.

Upsetting 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.' 

More 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.

Beginning 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.

Adomnán (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.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES

ST. COLUMBA HERITAGE CENTRE HAS FACILITIES INCLUDING

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 floors 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.

NEWS

THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TEAM

  • Event at St. Columb's College 1950's
    Event at St. Columb's College 1950's These are pictures of an event in St. Columb's College during the fifties, can you name any of those pictured…
    Written on Thursday, 22 April 2021 21:23
  • St Columba Activity Resource Pack
    St Columba Activity Resource Pack We are offering a free resource pack of activities for primary and lower secondary (KS2 & KS3) classes to celebrate…
    Written on Friday, 26 February 2021 22:23
  • About St Columba Heritage Centre
    About St Columba Heritage Centre This video describes Derry's hidden gem, the St. Columaba Heritage centre.
    Written on Saturday, 05 December 2020 21:35

GALLERY

COLLECTION OF IMAGES FROM AROUND THE CENTRE

FIND US

IN THE HISTORIC WALLED CITY


CONTACT US

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM


TESTIMONIALS

COMMENTS FROM OUR PREVIOUS VISITORS

Tremendous - A hidden gem

Gordon

Wonderful display and learned a lot about St. Columba during visit

Liam

A great learning experience today, Well done to the volunteers. Keep up the good work!

Frances

So grateful for the opportunity to visit this lovely centre.

Sylvia

An excellent and interactive exhibition. Definitely worth seeing.

Anotoly


DONATIONS

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Our centre is run by volunteers and we rely on donations to help with the running costs. Please consider helping with a small donation.


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