Welcome to the website of Cnoc a' Chalmain
The Catholic House of Prayer, Isle of Iona
On Scotland's sacred Isle of Iona “Cnoc a' Chalmain”, the “Hill of the Dove ”, has been established as a House of Prayer under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church. It was officially opened by Archbishop Keith O'Brien in the spring of 1997, the 1400th anniversary year of St Columba's death on Iona.
Cnoc a' Chalmain provides a peaceful place of prayer for all pilgrims in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Cnoc a' Chalmain also offers a unique opportunity for a single room stay on Iona, with the possibility of sharing in the ecumenical services of the island.
Accommodation
Single and twin room accommodation is available at the House of Prayer for pilgrims of all faiths seeking a haven of peace and quiet.
How to find us
The House of Prayer is five minutes' walk from the ferry. Follow the road from the pier past the Nunnery ruins. Do not turn right to the Abbey but continue straight on to the road end, then turn left pass Village Hall. Go through farm gate and the House of Prayer is on the right up the tarmac drive.
Travel to Iona
It takes about two and a half hours to reach Iona from Oban, travelling by ferry to Mull, then by road across Mull to the Iona ferry at Fionnphort.
A regular train or bus service operates from Glasgow to Oban with a journey time of about three hours.
For travel information to Mull and Iona contact: