The Abbey
The restored Iona Abbey, originally a medieval Benedictine foundation, welcomes up to 50 guests each week - as well as thousands of pilgrims every day during the summer months.
The Abbey provides neither a retreat house nor conference centre, but offers a unique opportunity to live with people from all over the world and all walks of life. Guests and staff of the community share all aspects of life - meals, daily worship, programme activities, chores and social events in a place which allows them to feel safe in exploring issues that challenge or concern them and to have space to reflect on their lives. Accommodation is mostly in bunk-bedded rooms for two, three, or four or five people. Disabled access is severely limited.
The Abbey buildings are held in trust by a Board of Trustees who have passed on responsibility for their maintenance to the expertise of Historic Scotland with whom the Community has a close working relationship.
Many people who come to Iona return again - and again. George MacLeod described Iona as a "thin place" - only a tissue paper separating the material from the spiritual. To spend some time in such a historic and inspiring setting is to be open to challenge and the exploration of new horizons.
The Iona Community lead daily worship in the Abbey church to which visitors are warmly invited in addition there are a number of weekly events on the Islands which are open to all.
To book accommodation in Iona Abbey
As several of the weeks in 2008 are now fully booked, Please phone 01681 700404 or email abbey.bookings@iona.org.uk to check availability before posting a booking form and deposit
The Bookings Office, Iona Community, Isle of Iona, Argyll PA76 6SN.
For any further information by email please contact: Carol Dougall
