Early Years
St. Colmcille’s Cross and Abbey, Gartan, Co. Donegal
The ruins of St Colmcille’s old abbey and Tau cross at Gartan, Co. Donegal. This is a place of pilgrimage and veneration, both locally and internationally.
www.gartantermon.netSt. Colmcille’s Cross and Abbey, Gartan, Co. Donegal
www.gartantermon.net
www.gartantermon.net
St. Colmcille’s Cross and Abbey, Gartan, Co. Donegal
The ruins of St Colmcille’s old abbey and Tau cross at Gartan, Co. Donegal. This is a place of pilgrimage and veneration, both locally and internationally.
www.gartantermon.net
Map of Gartan, Birthplace of St Colmcille
This is a 1906 Ordnance Survey map of the townland of Gartan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Colmcille was born in this area, which still has strong connections to the saint. Places named after him include St Colmcille’s Stepping Stones at the tip of Bridge Isle, St Colmcille’s Stone and the old St Columb Hotel. The ruins of St Colmcille’s chapel and the old abbey still remain as places of pilgrimage and veneration.
Donegal County LibraryMap of Gartan, Birthplace of St Colmcille
Donegal County Library
Donegal County Library
Map of Gartan, Birthplace of St Colmcille
This is a 1906 Ordnance Survey map of the townland of Gartan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Colmcille was born in this area, which still has strong connections to the saint. Places named after him include St Colmcille’s Stepping Stones at the tip of Bridge Isle, St Colmcille’s Stone and the old St Columb Hotel. The ruins of St Colmcille’s chapel and the old abbey still remain as places of pilgrimage and veneration.
Donegal County LibraryColmcille was born at Gartan, near Letterkenny in 521. He was also known as Columba, a Latin version of Colum, which was his baptismal name. The 'cille' that was added to the end of his name means 'of the churches'.
His father was a great grandson of King Niall of the Nine Hostages. His mother was a daughter of the King of Leinster.
Colmcille was first educated in Kilmacrennan by Cruitnechan, who had baptised him. Later, Colmcille went to St Finnian's monastic school in Movilla, Co. Down. Then he went to Clonard monastery in Co. Meath.
In 545, Colmcille founded his first monastery in Derry. He went on to found over sixty monasteries and churches in Ireland.
His father was a great grandson of King Niall of the Nine Hostages. His mother was a daughter of the King of Leinster.
Colmcille was first educated in Kilmacrennan by Cruitnechan, who had baptised him. Later, Colmcille went to St Finnian's monastic school in Movilla, Co. Down. Then he went to Clonard monastery in Co. Meath.
In 545, Colmcille founded his first monastery in Derry. He went on to found over sixty monasteries and churches in Ireland.