 St. Colmcille (Columba) was born in Gartan in 521 A.D. to Fedlimid and Eithne of the O Donnell house.On his father's side, he was a great-great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages, an Irish high king of the 5th Century.
A large cross alongside the footpath that leads to Glenveagh National Park commemorates his birth. Other powerful relics of the saint include the Stone of Loneliness where St.Columba is believed to have slept, the Natal Stone where he supposedly first opened his eyes and gazed upon the world, and a nearby holy well.
Gartan is also the site of the Colmcille Heritage Center devoted to the life, work, and times of the saint.
About Gartan
a-wee-bit-of-ireland.com: Birthplace of St. Columba
St. Columba Trail: Gartan, County Donegal
Megalithomania: St. Colmcille's Abbey
Wikipedia: Columba
Journey to Gartan
Gartan is located on the R254 some 15 miles from Letterkenny in County Donegal, Ireland.
Map Reference: C059187
Visitors Information
Visitors information for Gartan may be found at the geograph.ie website. General tourist information for County Donegal may be found on the Go Visit Donegal website.
Additional Photos of Gartan
Road Sign for St. Colmcille's (Columba's) Birthplace, Gartan
St. Columba's Birthplace, Gartan
Megalithic Site at St. Columba's Birthplace, Gartan
Megalithic Stone ("Stone of Loneliness") Where St. Columba Slept, Gartan
Modern Cross Commemorating St. Columba's Birthplace, Gartan
Stone Sign by St. Colmcille's Church, Gartan
St. Colmcille's Church, Gartan
St. Colmcille's Church, Gartan
Interior of St. Colmcille's Church, Gartan
Interior of St. Colmcille's Church, Gartan
Ancient Graveyard, Gartan
Foundation of the Early 10th Century Church, Gartan
One of Two Ancient Crosses Marking Boundary of Monastery, Gartan
One of Two Ancient Crosses Marking Boundary of Monastery, Gartan
Colmcille's Holy Well, Gartan
Interior of Colmcille's Holy Well, Gartan
Graveyard Overlooking Lough Gartan, Gartan
Plaque Commemorating St. Colmcille's (Columba's) 1400th Anniversary, Gartan
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