Derry is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland. For thousands of years people have been living in the area.
It has been claimed that a monastery was founded there by St. Colmcille (Columba). The year 546 A.D. is often given as the date that the original settlement was founded. However, it is now accepted that this was an erroneous date assigned by medieval chroniclers, and, indeed, there may have been another founder, not St. Colmcille. It is accepted, however, that between the 6th Century and the 11th Century, Derry was known primarily as a monastic settlement.
St. Augustine's Church is locally known as the “Wee Church on the Walls” and is thought to be the site of the 6th Century monastery in the Doire Calgach area on the east side of the River Foyle near the city walls. According to oral and documented history, the site was granted by a local king. The monastery then remained in the hands of the federation of Columban churches who regarded St. Colmcille as their spiritual mentor. The present building dates from 1872 and is in the design of 13th Century gothic style.
St. Augustine's is one of two locations in the city that claim to be the site of St. Columba's original monastery. The other site is St. Columb's Church, also known as the Long Tower Church, which has a plaque inside the church that claims to be the site of the altar of St. Columba's original church (see photos below). However, even the Long Tower Church's website states that "The location of the first church was probably where the beautiful little Church of Ireland Chapel of St Augustine stands today."
About St. Augustine's Church (Derry)
Discover Northern Ireland: St. Augustine's Church
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: School of Derry
Wikipedia: Columba
Wikipedia: Derry (Londonderry)
Journey to St. Augustine's Church (Derry)
St Augustine's Church is located at the end of Palace Street (off Bishop Street) and sits near the Derry city walls close to the site of the original monastic settlement established by St. Colmcille (Columba), in County Derry, No. Ireland.
Map Reference: V2460C4316
Visitors Information
Visitors information may be found at the geograph.ie wensite. General tourist information may be found on the Discover Northern Ireland Tourism website.
Additional Photos of St. Augustine's Church (Derry)
Reader Board, St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
Interior of St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
Sign Inside St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
St. Augustine's Church, Site of an Early Columban Monastery
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