10 UNMISSABLE THINGS TO DO ON IONA, SCOTLAND

With its history dating back to 563AD, there are plenty of historical things to do on Iona. However, this surprisingly small island packs a punch in terms of other attractions and places of interest.

Island of Iona in Scotland
 

For years, the island has been a place for pilgrims visiting Iona Abbey. But stay awhile to frolic on hidden beaches, eat fresh seafood, buy local crafts and spot amazing wildlife.

Here are our top 10 things to do on Iona for a fabulous and memorable trip.

 
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1. IONA ABBEY & NUNNERY

 
Iona Abbey exterior
Exterior of Iona Abbey
 

Columba’s monastery may now be a mere vallum, but the Benedictine Abbey founded by the sons of the ‘King of the Isles’ in the 12th century still stands proud.

Today, an active place of worship and visited by thousands, a tour will reveal its special and peaceful atmosphere and architecture.

Of particular note are three intricately carved crosses and a series of wonderfully carved grave slabs located in the Abbey Museum. Romanesque arches and single lance windows found in the north transept are the best surviving parts of the original 12th-century church.

The only way to look inside the Abbey is on a booked tour, which is definitely worthwhile.

Iona Nunnery ruins
Ruins Of Iona Nunnery
 

The Nunnery where a community of nuns lived and worshiped, was founded around 1200 and flourished for more than 350 years. The spiritual heart of the convent was the nunnery church. Other areas included a refectory, cloister, chapter house and sacristy.

Standing in peaceful grounds, the building was restored at the same time as the Abbey.


2. ST ORAN’S CHAPEL & REILIG ODRAIN

 
inside a chapel
Interior of St Oran’s Chapel
 

As you approach the Abbey, you will see an intriguing little chapel within a walled graveyard, off to the right. Enter St Oran’s Chapel through the beautifully carved doorway with its distinctive Norman arch, into what seems at first to be a simple interior.

There is an elaborate tomb-recess built into the south wall, and a number of carved West Highland grave slabs.

The 12th-century chapel dedicated to St Oran was restored alongside the Abbey from its ruinous state. St Oran was one of the monks who arrived with St Columba on Iona in 563AD.

Around 30 original gravestones were removed from the graveyard to preserve them, and can be seen in the Abbey Museum. Traditionally used as a burial ground for kings, it is thought that around 48 Scottish kings were laid here. Still in use today, it certainly has a fantastic location, looking out over the Sound of Iona.


3. IONA HERITAGE CENTRE

 
Iona heritage centre exterior
Exterior view of Iona Heritage Centre
 

Iona Heritage Centre is the perfect place to study old photographs and learn how the crofting community has evolved over the last few hundred years on this isolated island.

Discover the stories of some of the island’s notable families together with the impact and importance of fishing. There is also a wealth of information on the numerous wild flowers and geology you will see around the island.

You will also find a lovely gift shop selling books about Iona together with a range of gifts and souvenirs.

Location: Iona Heritage Centre is housed in an old manse next to Telford Church


4. MACLEAN’S CROSS

 

This imposing 15th-century stone cross, stands at the place where three ancient paths met. When pilgrims arrived by boat, they would stop and say a prayer here on their way to Iona Abbey. Another path known as “street of the dead” or Sraid nan Marbh, runs from Martyrs’ Bay to Reilig Odhrain Chapel.

Funeral processions bearing chieftains and kings would follow this route, to be taken to their last resting place.

Be sure to check out the intricate design of the cross which includes carved animals, a crucifixion, plait work and foliage.


5. BEACHES ON THE ISLE OF IONA

 
beach overlooking rocks and water
Traigh an t-Suidhe Beach
 

With the combination of white sand, endless vistas and clear aquamarine waters, Iona’s beaches are quite superb. Photographers, painters and beach lovers all enjoy watching the changes in aspect, brought by the differing seasons.

Moody mists and bracing winds whip up crashing waves, while on a clear sunny day you could swear you were on a tropical island.

All Iona beaches are accessible on foot, and the following are a selection of some of the local favourites.

You might like our post on Iona’s Beaches which details some of these beaches in full.

 

NORTH BEACHES

  • White Strand of the Monks
  • Traigh-an-t-Suidhe or Strand of the Seat

WEST BEACHES

  • Port Ban
  • Bay at the Back of the Ocean

EAST BEACHES

  • St Ronan’s Bay
  • Martyrs Bay Beach
  • Traigh Mor
  • Sand Eels Bay

SOUTH BEACHES

  • St Columba’s Bay

6. BUY ARTS AND CRAFTS ON THE ISLE OF IONA

 
shop selling crafts
Pop in for a look around Iona Craft Shop
 

Iona has ‘Fair trade Island’ status, and this provides a good chance to purchase fairly traded goods. You can find genuine Iona produced artisan crafts and a selection of unique gifts and souvenirs. Here are a couple of the shops we loved browsing around:

 

IONA CRAFT SHOP

 

This outpost established in 1965, celebrates Iona’s culture, crafters and designers to perfection. While specialising in designer textiles and knitwear, ceramics and jewellery, you will also find paper goods, candles and more!

The shops contents really celebrate the islands heritage and environment in a colourful way. Check out the giclee prints and wool felted slippers, and take home some bright coziness with you.

Location: Iona Craft Shop is a short walk up from the pier on the way to Iona Abbey. 


AOSDANA GALLERY STUDIO

 

This gallery and working studio sells stunning contemporary and Celtic jewellery. Uniquely designed rings, brooches, bracelets, earrings, crosses and necklaces are inspired by Iona’s cultural and physical landscape. The craftsmanship and finish are astounding.

Location: Aosdana is situated in the newly renovated Columba Steadings building, opposite St Columba Hotel.


7. WILDLIFE ON THE ISLE OF IONA

 

The island of Iona offers wonderful wildlife watching opportunities whether you are walking its coastline, or taking a boat tour. A long indented coastline, high quality air and water, mean little pollution and ideal wildlife environment

High air and water quality and little if no pollution result in an ideal wildlife environment.

The island is a haven for seabirds and birds migrating from the Arctic. Scour the beaches and shoreline for a chance to spot sandpipers, oyster catchers, curlews, plovers, grey lag geese, and redshanks. Other birds to look out for are:

BIRDS: Look out for Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Sea Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short Eared Owl and Merlin. South and West facing cliffs are nesting places for Cormorants, Fulmars and Shags.

If you are incredibly lucky you may spot a rare but noisy Corncrake among the reed beds!

MARINE WILDLIFE: Otters are often spotted down by the pier and the Sound of Iona often has sightings of both Common and Atlantic Grey Seals. Keep an eye out for porpoises, dolphins, and seals rising above the surface.

Both Whales and Basking Sharks have been sighted in the Sound of Iona and are regularly seen on boat trips around the islands.


8. WALKS ON IONA

 

A wide array of walks and the small scale of Iona means you can easily explore on foot. Stroll along the shoreline at Martyrs Bay, enjoy 360 degree vistas from the top of Dun I, or seek out St Columba’s Bay where St Columba arrived on Iona.

We’ve put together two great walks around the island. The first one offers the chance to explore the north end of Iona and it’s highest hill.

The second explore the less frequented south end of the island and some stunning white beaches. All the details are covered in our Superb Iona Walks article.

Pathways are not generally signposted, but easily navigated.


9. EATING ON IONA

 
scallops on two shells
Imaginary menu at St Columba’s Hotel
 

With the island’s proximity to the sea, fresh fish and shellfish are caught locally and taste amazing. Harvested from the clear waters that surround the island, crab, salmon, langoustines and mussels, offer an amazing array of choice.

Chefs at the two hotels here, use locally sourced meat and fresh organic produce to produce creative menus. They produce their own fruits and vegetables in organic gardens.

Why not try the much applauded afternoon tea at Argyll Hotel and an inventive dinner at St Columba Hotel. You won’t be left hungry or disappointed!


10. TAKE A TRIP TO STAFFA

 

Sitting on the west coast of Scotland lies the uninhabited isle of Staffa. Captivating the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson and Queen Victoria over the years, it is famous for several reasons.

Sea caves, bird life and basalt columns offer fascinating history and geology for its visitors, plus sightings of very cute puffins.

Staffa Trips offer twice daily sailings, morning and afternoon, to Staffa from Iona. If you are interested in wildlife, history, geography or geology, this will be an incredible trip.

The incredible basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave were formed over 59 million years ago. You will have the chance to spot many types of wildlife, and from early April to the end of July, the island is a nesting place for puffins!

puffin
 

The trip lasts approximately three hours, at a cost of £30 per adult and runs from 1st April to the end of October.


We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit the Island of Iona. If you have any questions about Iona or have your own tips to share, please leave these in the comments below.


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