3.1 Colmcille Heritage Centre

The Colmcille Heritage Centre sits on the shore of Gartan Lough on the edge of Glenveagh National Park. Displays in the centre tell the story of Colmcille’s early years in the Gartan area and describe the spread of early Christianity in Ireland and Scotland, giving details of monastic and religious life.

There is a replica of the 6th-8th century Bell of St Columba which was kept in the Gartan area and passed down through successive generations of one family. It was said that water drunk from the bell would cure any illness.

The Centre is open from the first Sunday in May until the last Sunday in October. Mondays-Saturdays 10.30-17.00 and Sundays 13.30-17.00.

 

Getting there

From Letterkenny, take the R250 towards Milltown. At Driminaught take a right turn on the R251 to Tullyculion. Continue on past Tullyculion and through Church Hill village. The turn to the Colmcille Heritage Centre is signposted on your left.

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  • Colmcille Heritage Centre, Gartan Lough, Donegal, Ireland.

    3.1 Colmcille Heritage Centre

    The Colmcille Heritage Centre sits on the shore of Gartan Lough on the edge of Glenveagh National Park. Displays in the centre tell the story of Colmcille’s early years in the Gartan area.

  • Dunadd Fort, Argyll.

    3.2 Leac na Cumha

    This flagstone at Lacknacoo is one of the places where Colmcille’s mother Eithne is said to have given birth to him.

  • Churchtown, Gartan, Donegal, Ireland.

    3.3 Churchtown

    Churchtown - Ráth Cnó - is said to be the place where Colmcille’s family lived. According to tradition they later gave over the land so that a monastic settlement could be created here.

  • Clootie Tree, Gartan, Donegal, Ireland.

    3.4 Doon Fort & Holy Well

    Until the 16th century, the Rock of Doon was the inauguration site of the O’Donnell chieftains.

  • Kilmory Knap Chapel carved graveslabs

    3.5 Kilmacrenan

    This is where Colmcille is said to have lived with his foster father Cruithneachán. There are two parts to the site - the left hand side is linked to Colmcille while the right side is the site of a 19th century Church of Ireland church.

  • Temple Douglas, Donegal, Ireland.

    3.6 Temple Douglas

    Temple Douglas was an ancient monastic site which used to stand on the old road out of Letterkenny and so was on the main route for travellers passing through the area.