Columba came from royal families of Ireland, his father was a great grandson of the overlord of Ireland and his mother was descended from a King in Leinster. He is better known in Ireland as ‘Columcille’

He studied the scriptures under a bishop though others associate him with various monastic schools. When he was ordained a priest, his family gave him a fort at Daire Calgach, now known as Derry. This became his first monastery and he founded many others as he went about Ireland preaching for the next 15 years. His voice was said to carry for a mile. He also had a great love of books and learning.

He and twelve relatives sailed for Scotland in 561 and landed on a small island off the south west corner of Mull and there set about building a monastery that was to become known throughout the world as Iona. He returned to Ireland many times but Iona became his headquarters for the remainder of his life.