Founded by an itinerant priest in the sixth century, this holy community would gain fame across Europe and offer Christianity the regional root it needed to grow

A 1549 survey records that 48 Scottish kings are interred at Iona Abbey, as well as eight Norwegian and four Irish rulers

© DONALD MACLEOD X1, ALAMY X1, GETTY X5

THE GOOD BOOKS

Iona wasn’t only famous for the Book of Kells. It was here that several sections of the Chronicle of Ireland were drafted. This tome tells the story of Ireland from AD 432 to 911.

GETTING THERE:

A public ferry will take you to Iona from Fionnphort, Mull. Ferries to Mull depart from Oban.

OPENING TIMES AND PRICES:

Daily between April and September. From October to March, the site is fully open Monday to Saturday, but on Sundays only Abbey Church, Michael Chapel, Shrine and grounds are open. Adults £7.50, children aged five to 15 £4.50, under fives free

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