IONA ABBEY FAQs

What rooms are available?

There are a total of 21 guest rooms.

This includes five single rooms, 11 twin rooms, three triple and two quadruple rooms.

Five of our bedrooms are located close to the lift on the first floor, while another four are on the ground floor, offering easy lift access.

The remaining 12 rooms are accessed via a flight of stairs.

If stairs are a challenge for you and you would prefer a room without using the stairs, please let us know ahead of time, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request!

Are some rooms fully accessible?

Yes, there are three single bedrooms that are accessible. One is en-suite with an accessible bathroom; the other two have easy access to an accessible bathroom.

We’re sorry that we don’t currently have an accessible twin bedroom, if you’re traveling as a pair and one of you has specific needs, we’d love to assist. Please reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll explore the best options for your stay!

How many single rooms are there?

We have three single accessible bedrooms on the first floor and two single bedrooms on the second floor. The second floor rooms can only be accessed via stairs.

How do you allocate the bedrooms?

We make every effort to ensure rooms are allocated to meet the requirements of our guests.

Priority is given to those with specific and necessary requirements. If you require a specific type of room, such as an accessible one or a room without stairs, please let us know at the time of booking, along with the reason for your request.

Twin rooms are typically reserved for couples, relatives, or friends traveling together, so be sure to indicate on the booking form if you’d like to share a room.

If you’re booking as an individual and don’t have specific requirements, you may be placed in a twin, triple, or quad room, sharing with other guests—an opportunity to meet new friends right from the start of your stay!

Will I have to share a room with someone I don’t know?

There’s a good chance you may share a room with someone you don’t know, especially if you’re booking on your own, and it could also be the case for couples.

Many guests initially feel a bit unsure about sharing with strangers, but we frequently hear that it turns into an enriching experience—often leading to meaningful connections and lasting friendships with their roommates!

Are all meals provided?

Yes. We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner each full day of your stay, plus dinner on your arrival day and breakfast before you leave on departure day. To give you more freedom to explore the island at your own leisure, a couple of meals will be a packed picnic, including sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Perfect for enjoying on your explorations!

What is served for breakfast?

Breakfast includes porridge or cereals, toast with various spreads, yogurt, and fruit. Beverages offered are coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), breakfast tea, and an assortment of herbal and fruit teas.

What food is served at the main meals?

At the Iona Community we’re committed to providing healthy and sustainable food, with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Our meals are primarily vegetarian with the exception of Tuesday evening dinner. 

On Tuesdays, as well as a vegetarian dish, we serve a meat-based one too. This reflects that we are OK with eating meat on occasion, as long as we know that the animals have been raised locally and with care.

Does the Abbey kitchen cater for special diets?

Yes, the Abbey Kitchen caters for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets, and we do our best to cater for intolerances and allergies (please also see our FAQ on severe allergies), but we need to know in advance so we can prepare accordingly. Please let us know about any special dietary requirements for you or any members of your group at the time of booking.

What about very severe allergies?

Our ability to cater for allergies depends on their severity. If you have a severe allergy we request that you contact the Abbey Cook via [email protected] to discuss your dietary needs, before making a booking. This way, you can discuss your specific needs and ensure that we can safely cater for you.

Can I drink alcohol when I stay at Iona Abbey?

We want to create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone at Iona Abbey, which is why our guest accommodation is alcohol-free. We understand that alcohol can impact people’s wellbeing in different ways, and for some, being around others who are drinking can be challenging. To ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable, we have a policy that no alcohol is consumed in the Abbey accommodation, including both shared spaces and private rooms. Thank you for helping us to foster a space of hospitality and well-being for all.

Are towels provided?

Towels are provided for use in our bathrooms. 

If you’re planning to go swimming, feel free to bring your own beach towel, or ask one of our helpful Housekeeping team for one of the towels we have set aside for that purpose.

Is bedding provided?

Yes, all bedding is provided.

If you’d like additional pillows, just let us know.

What clothes should I pack?

Iona’s weather is notoriously changeable – it’s not unusual to experience hail, rain, and sunshine all in one day! Thanks to its maritime climate, it usually stays pretty mild, rarely getting too hot or too cold. However, it can be quite breezy, and the wind can make it feel colder than it actually is. We recommend bring plenty of comfortable layers that you can easily put on and take off, along with waterproof jackets and trousers/ pants. If you plan to go for walks around this beautiful and rugged island we highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots with good ankle support.

Do I need to bring my medication with me?

Yes! Iona has no pharmacy or doctor surgery. The nearest surgery is in Bunessan on the Isle of Mull, and the nearest pharmacy is in Tobermory (a two-hour drive). It is therefore essential that you bring your own supply of your routine medication as well as any additional medications you might need. Guests have access to a fridge if any medication requires being stored at a low temperature.

The Spar shop on Iona does sell basic essentials such as paracetamol.

Are toiletries provided?

You’ll find liquid soap in the bathrooms, but please note that we don’t provide shampoo or shower gel. If you need these, the Spar shop on Iona has a selection of basic toiletries available.

Are hair dryers provided?

We don’t have hair dryers in the bedrooms or bathrooms. We do have several air dryers available in the main lobby that you’re welcome to borrow during your stay. Just remember to return them when you’re done!

Are napkins provided?

To support our commitment to the environment and to keep costs down, we don’t provide napkins with meals. If you’d like to have a napkin during mealtimes, you’re welcome to bring your own, or you can purchase a lovely Iona Abbey cotton napkin from the Iona Community shop.

If you do bring your own napkin, we kindly ask that you take care of washing it as needed. Thank you for your understanding.

Travelling to Iona can truly feel like a pilgrimage! Even from Oban, the nearest town on the mainland, the journey involves taking two ferries and journeying across the beautiful Isle of Mull.

You can view our Travel Advice for getting to Iona here; this includes guidance on considering how to travel as sustainably as possible. Our team on Iona is always here to help with your travel arrangements, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Explore our FAQs about travel, below, to help you get started:

Can I travel to Iona by public transport?

Yes.

You can get to Oban, the nearest town on the mainland, by bus or train from Glasgow or from further afield! You might find the travelinescotland website or app helpful for this stage of the journey.

From Oban, get the ferry to Craignure. Timetables are available on the Calmac Website.

In Craignure, get the bus to Fionnphort. Timetables are available on the West Coast Motors website.

At Fionnphort, get the ferry to Iona. Timetables are available on the Calmac Website.

Enjoy your pilgrimage to Iona!

Can I book travel tickets in advance?

Oban Craignure ferry: 

It is possible to book a foot passenger ticket for the Oban ferry in advance on the Calmac website. Tickets can also be purchased on arrival at the ferry terminal.

Bus from Craignure to Fionnphort: 

Tickets for the bus across Mull cannot be booked in advance, but the buses are generally double-decker with plenty of seats.

Fionnphort-Iona Ferry: 

It is now possible to buy a ticket in advance on the Calmac Website, but most people buy it in the portacabin in Fionnphort, on the jetty or on the ferry itself. 

From noon onwards, the ferry shuttles between Fionnphort and Iona, and you board the first available one. 

The only exception is if you travel on the winter timetable (typically from end of October to end of March) and wish to travel on the last ferry of the day at 6.00pm. This last ferry has to be requested with CalMac with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. More information on their website.

How often do buses run?

On the summer timetable (roughly between the end of March and the end of October), there are three buses per day from Craignure to Fionnphort: early morning, midday and late afternoon. They all connect with ferries from Oban and to Iona. If you are on the late bus, don’t worry if it is running late: the last ferry of the day to Iona always waits for the bus to arrive before setting off.

How do I get to the Isle of Mull by car?

There are two main routes from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Mull, Oban-Craignure and Lochaline-Fishnish. Both are operated by CalMac.

If you travel by car via Oban, we recommend that you book your passage on the ferry as soon as possible. this route is extremely busy, especially in summer. It is therefore advisable to make a booking with CalMac as soon as you know your dates of travel.

The Lochaline ferry is a shuttle ferry which does not accept advanced bookings.

Can I take my car to Iona?

No, unless you have a blue badge. If you do have a blue badge, you can apply for a temporary permit from the Argyll and Bute Council.

Where can I leave my car in Fionnphort?

There is a free car park in Fionnphort next to the Columba Centre (it is found by taking the second road on the left as soon as you enter the village. It is signposted).

When shall I aim to arrive on Iona?

If you’re arriving on the main arrival day (Saturday), please come anytime after 3 PM.

We highly recommend aiming to arrive between 3 PM and 4 PM. This way, you’ll have a little time to settle in and relax before dinner.

To help our staff prepare for your arrival, it would be wonderful if you could share your estimated arrival time with us in advance. We’ll send you a request about your ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) before you head out, so please respond with your best estimate.

If you’re taking the bus across Mull, just let us know if you’ll be on the early afternoon or late afternoon bus from Craignure to Fionnphort, and we can work it out from there.

If you’re travelling by bike, car (or even on foot), even a rough idea of when you plan to arrive in Fionnphort will be helpful.

Please note that if you arrive before 3 PM, your bedroom won’t be available just yet. However, you’re more than welcome to relax in the common room and enjoy a hot drink. If you’d like to take advantage of this, please stop by the Welcome Centre (the white building opposite the Abbey), and one of our team members will happily escort you to the Abbey.

Will I be met at the jetty when I arrive?

On Saturdays, our van will be waiting at the Iona jetty from 3:00 PM to welcome our new arrivals.

For our two busiest ferries, which bring in guests from Craignure around 3:15 PM and 6:30 PM, you’ll find several members of the Iona Community team ready to assist you. We’ll take care of loading your luggage into the van, and you’ll have the choice of enjoying a lift in the van or taking a 10-minute walk to the Abbey.

If you arrive on a different ferry, you can still choose between a lift in the van or walking to the Abbey. Once you reach the Historic Environment Scotland Iona Abbey ticket office, simply let them know you’re a guest staying at the Abbey and ask for directions to the refectory, where our  Housekeeping team will be waiting to welcome you.

If you happen to arrive before 3:00 PM, feel free to leave your luggage in the shed by the jetty until your return. Rest assured, it will be perfectly safe.

Are the premises accessible?

Iona Abbey guest accommodation is partially accessible:

• There is a lift from the ground floor to the first floor,
• Three accessible bedrooms, one with ensuite facilities.
• Two accessible bathrooms.
• The refectory, located on the first floor, has two levels connected by a ramp.

However, we want to be transparent about some limitations due to the historic nature of the building:

• We currently don’t have an accessible bedroom that can accommodate two people.
• There is no hoist available to assist disabled guests with getting into bed.
• The Abbey Church is only partially accessible for those using a wheelchair.

If you have special accessibility needs please contact the staff on Iona prior to booking. We’d be more than happy to discuss your requirements and see if they can be met. We can explore what arrangements might be possible to make your stay as safe and enjoyable as possible. You can email our office or call 01681 700 404 

Is there a mobility scooter on site? 

Yes! We have a modern scooter available that’s user-friendly and has a great battery range. While it’s not good on sand, it works well on roads and grass. We’re happy to make the scooter available to any guest who requests it.

To ensure it’s fully charged and ready for you, it’s best to let us know before your arrival. If more than one guest requests the scooter during the same week, we kindly ask that you coordinate with each other to determine usage times.

Is there WIFI in the Abbey?

Yes, although not everywhere in the premises, and rather slow and unreliable. Fibre has not made it to Iona yet, and the thick walls of the Abbey are a challenge!

Is there an induction loop system?

Yes, there is an induction loop system in the Abbey Church and also in the Refectory.

Is there a laundry service?

No. Please bring sufficient change of clothes for the duration of your stay.

What if clothes get wet?

There is a drying room for guests’ clothes and footwear. Please ask a member of the Housekeeping team.

What are the daily “Guest Tasks”?

As part of our intentional building of community, guests are asked to help with routine tasks for half an hour a day. Guests are typically split between three staff teams: Kitchen (chopping), Housekeeping (cleaning and mopping), and Sacristy (candles and cleaning).

When is worship in the Iona Abbey?

A fundamental foundation to our community life on Iona is the ecumenical morning and evening worship, to which guests, staff and visitors are warmly welcome. During the season the morning service is at 9 AM with the exception of 8 AM on Friday (to suit departing guests) and the 10.30 AM communion service on Sunday. The evening service is at 9 PM. Keep an eye on our daily worship page for updates and changes during the winter months. Worship is usually led by members of the Iona Community team on Iona, with support by guests.

Can I play a part in the Iona Community worship?

Yes. There will be plenty of opportunities to do so whilst on Iona such as reading, writing a prayer, playing a musical instrument, or singing.

What are the options for the Pilgrimage?

The staff team at the Abbey are excited to be developing a new pilgrimage route for 2025 – more information available here soon!

How can I contribute to the weekly programme?

If you have a passion for or particular expertise in any of the key issues of common concern to the Iona Community, and would like to share your ideas and expertise with others, please email the Programme Coordinator in good time before your arrival.