Folklore says that if you do this you'll catch a glimpse of paradise...

In the footsteps of saints and pilgrims at Glencolmcille

Station 2, Turas Glencolmcille Picture: Tuatha.ie

There are few places in Ireland where you can find as wonderful a wealth of heritage as the scenic valley of Glencolmcille in County Donegal. The valley takes its name from St Colmcille. Also known as St Columba in the Latin form of his name, Colmcille was born in Donegal in either AD 520 or 521. Before his death in Iona on the 9th June AD 593, Colmcille had become one of the most influential figures in Irish and British history. He is one of Ireland’s patron saints, a distinction he shares with Patrick and Brigid, and he is the patron saint of Derry. He and his followers also established monasteries in Iona and Scotland, there are few early figures with as extensive a legacy.

The link between the valley of Glencolmcille and the saint derives from Manus O’Donnell’s 16th-century work: Betha Colum Chille or the Life of Colum Cille.