Colmcille Heritage Centre

25/07/2026

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24/07/2026

🕊The Colmcille Heritage Centre is open Thursday to Saturday, 10.00am–5.00pm.
We warmly invite you to visit and discover the remarkable story of St Colmcille through our engaging and insightful exhibition. Whether you're exploring the area, tracing your heritage, or simply looking for a peaceful and inspiring place to visit, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Throughout the summer, keep an eye on our page for upcoming art events, guided walks, and fascinating talks celebrating the rich heritage of Gartan and St Colmcille.

Come visit us every Saturday from 10 to 1 and join Carol with arts and crafts, getting involved in natural heritage crafts. Bronze age weaving ,rush baskets,natural dye painting,celtic chalk drawing. No fee for children. Bring the family and go for a stroll along the lovely newly tarred path along Gartan lake.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this with your friends, family, and anyone planning a visit to the area. We look forward to welcoming you to The Colmcille Heritage Centre.

24/07/2026

24/07/2026

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24/07/2026

Welcome to Gartan Aidan Spence.Aidan received a warm welcome from The Heritage Centre's crew today! Hoping he enjoys his day in Gartan.

23/07/2026

Aidan Spence will arrive in Gartan tomorrow morning. We are delighted to welcome him to Gartan. Check out his story below and his interest in St.Colmcille

Saint Colmcille (c. 521–597)
Born in Gartan, County Donegal.
Founded the monastery on the island of Iona in 563 after leaving Ireland.
Iona became one of the most influential centres of learning and missionary activity in Europe.Many missionaries who later evangelised Britain were trained in the spiritual tradition established by Colmcille.Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (d. 651)An Irish monk from Iona. Sent from Iona to Northumbria in 635 at the request of King Oswald.Founded the monastery at Lindisfarne ("Holy Island").Renowned for travelling on foot, preaching in the local language, and training a new generation of missionaries.

Saint Cedd (c. 620–664)
An Anglo-Saxon, not Irish, but educated by St Aidan at Lindisfarne.
Learned Irish and adopted the Irish monastic way of life.
Sent by Aidan to evangelise the East Saxons (Essex).
Founded the monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex around 654, which became the centre of Christianity in the kingdom.
The chain connecting them
The relationship is remarkably direct:
Colmcille → Aidan → Cedd
Colmcille founded Iona.
Aidan was formed in the monastery of Iona and carried Colmcille's mission into Northumbria.Cedd was trained by Aidan at Lindisfarne and then brought that same Irish Christian tradition to Essex.
In other words, St Cedd was the spiritual "grandson" of St Colmcille. Although Cedd was English, his faith, education, missionary approach, and monastic practices all came through the Irish tradition founded by Colmcille.
This is why the connection is so important for Chelmsford:
Colmcille represents the Irish roots.
Aidan is the bridge from Ireland to Britain.
Cedd brought that Irish Christian tradition to Essex, where he is now honoured as the county's patron saint.

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20/07/2026

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Looking forward to welcoming Aidan to Gartan towards the end of the week

18/07/2026

Every Saturday from 10 to 1 ,natural heritage crafts. Bronze age weaving ,rush baskets,natural dye painting,celtic chalk drawing. Please share and spread the word!

15/07/2026

Colmcille Heritage Centre

Opening times this week:

Thur 10.30-5pm
Fri 10-5pm
Sat 10-5pm -Arts and Crafts from 10-1pm for children. Admission free

Come and enjoy the sun at beautiful Gartan, enjoy the St Colmcille tour and take a stroll along the lake after! No better way to enjoy a Summer's day!

11/07/2026

🕊The Colmcille Heritage Centre is open Thursday to Saturday, 10.00am–5.00pm.
We warmly invite you to visit and discover the remarkable story of St Colmcille through our engaging and insightful exhibition. Whether you're exploring the area, tracing your heritage, or simply looking for a peaceful and inspiring place to visit, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Throughout the summer, keep an eye on our page for upcoming art events, guided walks, and fascinating talks celebrating the rich heritage of Gartan and St Colmcille.

Our upstairs reading room is home to a wonderful collection of books on the life of St Colmcille, the early monks, and the history of this special place. Feel free to call in, relax, and spend some quiet time reading and reflecting.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this with your friends, family, and anyone planning a visit to the area. We look forward to welcoming you to The Colmcille Heritage Centre.