Spending the Entire Day on Iona

Iona Nunnery Ruins

An attraction

It’s natural to want to make a beeline for the abbey, but to get there you have to pass another pile of ruins. This is Iona Nunnery, built in the early 13th century with Beatrice, daughter of the great Gaelic warlord Somerled, appointed as the first prioress. It would have been a quiet life of prayer and contemplation for the nuns here, mostly illegitimate daughters or widows of nobility. If any female pilgrims travelled to Iona, they would have found shelter in these walls!

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Iona Abbey

An attraction

Continuing along the path brings you to the star of the show - Iona Abbey, the spiritual heart of the island. It was here in 563AD that St Columba founded a monastery that would help spread Christianity throughout northern Scotland. The building we have today dates from around the year 1200, built by Ranald, Beatrice’s brother! Restored from ruin in the early 1900s, as well as being a tourist attraction, it doubles as a working church and attending a service here is one of my most special Scottish experiences! While you could spend a long time wandering the abbey buildings and admiring the enormous stone crosses, look for the museum round the back. It’s small but packed with incredible artefacts and carved effigies of Highland warriors. Right outside the abbey, the Reilig Odhrain is probably the most important graveyard anywhere in Scotland. This is where some of the most important Kings of Scots lay buried, like Macbeth and Kenneth MacAlpine, along with chiefs of clans like the MacDonalds, MacLeods and MacLeans.

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Iona Community Shop

A shop

Not far from the abbey sits the Iona Community Shop. The staff are always welcoming and you can find out more about how the group operates as well as pick up some gifts or supplies - the book collection is particularly impressive. Even when the shop isn’t open, this is where you’ll find toilets since they’re not available in the abbey.

Traigh Bhan nam Monach

An attraction

Now it’s time to stretch your legs, heading almost to the far north point of Iona, crossing a field to Traigh Bhan nam Monach, otherwise known as the White Strand of the Monks! It’s one of my favourite beaches anywhere in Scotland, with unbelievably white sand stretching into the turquoise water.

St Columba Larder

Food and drink

There are a few good spots for lunch on Iona, such as Ailidh Pizza, but I like to pop into the St Columba Larder for a takeaway. The sandwiches are great (smoked trout especially) along with a cup of warming soup!

Oran Creative Crafts

A shop

You can find a great cluster of small, creative shops on Iona to pick up some authentic souvenirs to remember your trip. Oran Crafts exclusively sells items made on the island by residents and Aosdana creates incredible jewellery. My favourite is the Iona Craft Shop, both for the great shop and because they do incredible coffee!

Iona Abbey

An attraction

Although easily missed, make sure to pop into the Iona Heritage Centre to find out the real history of the island. The abbey was abandoned after the reformation in the 16th century, but life continued on the island and the heritage centre tells fascinating stories of those who have called Iona home for centuries.

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Bay at the Back of the Ocean

An attraction

Not many visitors to Iona take the time to walk to the west or south of the island, making it a great way to escape any crowds. At the end of the tarmac road, you cross a small golf course to reach the Bay at the Back of the Ocean. The waves can be wild here, but as you stare out to sea there’s no land between you and Newfoundland!

St Columba's Bay

An attraction

Over a small hill, skirting a tiny loch, suddenly St Columba’s Bay comes into sight. It’s a stunning little spot, where the Irish saint is said to have first landed on Iona. The beach is covered in small pebbles and if you look closely, you might find some green Iona marble. It’s a calm, quiet, spiritual place that many find almost overwhelming. I could sit there for hours, but it’s important to make sure there’s plenty of time to get back to catch the last ferry home!