Columba Week 2027
5 June 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 11 June 2027 @ 9:00 am
More than 1,400 years after his arrival on Iona, the life and legacy of Saint Columba continue to inspire people around the world. Join us for a week of reflection, discussion and community as we explore what Columba’s story can teach us about faith, belonging and living well in today’s world.
Through conversation, contemplative practice, sacred music and connection with the landscape of Iona, this week offers an opportunity to engage with the rich tradition of Celtic spirituality while discovering how Columba’s wisdom continues to speak into contemporary life.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 05.06.2027 – 11.06.2027
Led by: Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil
About the programme
Saint Columba’s(Colmcille) story is woven into the landscape, history and spiritual life of Iona. More than fourteen centuries after his arrival on the island, his life continues to inspire people seeking a deeper connection with faith, community and the world around them.
This programme invites you to explore Columba’s life and legacy through reflection, conversation, contemplative practice and sacred music. Together, we’ll consider how his experiences of pilgrimage, community, creativity and spiritual leadership continue to speak into the challenges and opportunities of modern life.
Whether you are already interested in Celtic spirituality or are encountering Columba’s story for the first time, the week offers an opportunity to engage with a rich spiritual tradition in the place where it first took root. Through learning, discussion and shared experience, we’ll explore how ancient wisdom can help us live with greater compassion, presence and hope today.
Set within the rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, this programme offers space to deepen your understanding of Saint Columba while reflecting on your own spiritual journey alongside others in community.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil is an interfaith minister, sacred musician and retreat leader whose work brings together music, storytelling, contemplative practice and spiritual accompaniment. Drawing on a rich tradition of pilgrimage, worship and mindful reflection, Simon creates welcoming spaces for people to explore faith, meaning and connection.
What to expect
Each day will combine reflection, discussion, worship and contemplative practice as we explore the life and legacy of Saint Columba together. Through guided sessions, shared conversation and personal reflection, we’ll consider how Columba’s story continues to speak into our lives today.
The programme will include opportunities to engage with themes of pilgrimage, community, spirituality and belonging through teaching, storytelling and sacred music. Guided by Simon, we’ll explore the richness of Celtic spirituality while creating space for questions, insight and personal discovery.
Alongside the programme sessions, you’ll share in the daily rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, including worship, meals and time in community. There will also be opportunities to connect with the landscape of Iona, reflecting on the island that shaped Saint Columba’s life and continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
The tone of the week will be reflective, welcoming and participatory. Whether you’re drawn by an interest in Celtic spirituality, sacred music, pilgrimage or spiritual reflection, you’ll be invited to engage at your own pace and in ways that feel meaningful to you.
This Celtic Christian retreat offers a balance of learning, reflection and community, helping participants connect ancient wisdom with contemporary questions of faith, purpose and how we live well together.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme combines prayer, reflection and embodied practice throughout the week. You’ll share meals, worship and daily life with other guests while exploring how breath, movement and attention can deepen your experience of prayer and connection with God.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East