St. Columba Heritage Centre is based in a 19th-century school building on the grounds of the Long Tower Church.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 include dining area, toilets, parking nearby, Wi-Fi, Guided Tours, and Euro Accepted.
Ground Floor includes interactive demos, artifacts, help desk and more
Top Floor of the centre, housing manuscripts, interactive demonstrations and a demonstration area with seating
Adjacent Long Tower Church
Restoration work on the old Wee Nuns School which would go on to become the heritage centre
Restoration of the building nearing completion
Restoration of the building is complete
Tremendous - A hidden gem
Wonderful display and learned a lot about St. Columba during visit
A great learning experience today, Well done to the volunteers. Keep up the good work!
So grateful for the opportunity to visit this lovely centre.
An excellent and interactive exhibition. Definitely worth seeing.