Iona has little accommodation, and this is taken quickly. Our accommodation is near to the ferry, and we offer bed and breakfast and self-catering close to Iona. click on the self-catering accommodation or bed and breakfast links to see pictures of our property.
accommodation iona bed and breakfast mull and iona isle of mull iona accommodation
The Isle of Iona lies off the west coast of the Isle of Mull and is reached by ferry from Fionnphort.
Achaban House is a short walk from the ferry, and is the perfect place to stay if you are planning to visit Iona.
Accomodation on Iona is limited, and most visitors find it more convenient to stay on Mull and travel to Iona for the day.
Iona is a small island, and much of its varied coastline, cliffs and numerous beaches, are easily reached by foot which is fortunate as cars are allowed on the island only with special permission. However, if you can't walk far, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage which waits at the pier for people arriving on the ferry.
Iona has a rich religious and historical background and has a special significance for all Christians because that is where in 563AD, St Columba and his followers arrived from Ireland to bring Christianity to Scotland and the north of England.
Iona
AbbeyIn 563AD St Columba, an Irish missionary, established a monastery on the island which became a center of Celtic Christianity.
St. Aidan set out from here in 636AD to establish Christianity in Northumbria, and the island's religious significance spread throughout Scotland. After 200 years of tranquility, Norse raids put an end to the settlement and destroyed many of the buildings.
A Benedictine abbey was founded in the 13th century and was made a cathedral in 1500. A few massive crosses showcase the carving skills of early craftsman.
Also on the island are the ruins of an Augustinian nunnery founded in the 13th century and St. Oran's Chapel (oldest building on the island). A story associated with the Chapel is that the walls kept collapsing when being built, and the builders, deciding that a human sacrifice was needed to quiet evil spirits, buried a volunteer (Oran) in the walls.
Over 60 Scottish, Irish and Norse kings and queens are buried on the island.
