Overview

St Oran’s Chapel is a small, simple, beautiful church within Reilig Odhrain burial ground. It is the oldest of the surviving medieval buildings on Iona. There is a single step down into the chapel. Well worth visiting.

Transport & Parking

Travelling to Iona involves taking a ferry from Fionnphort Ferry Terminal in Mull. The ferry mostly takes foot passengers but residents of Iona or for disabled people who arrange permission in advance, can take their car over. From Iona Ferry Terminal it is about a 10-15 minute walk to Iona Community's Shop and Welcome Centre with the first part being slightly uphill. The other option is to take a taxi. There is one taxi service on Iona and I used it while I was there and found the staff very help. Just be aware they don't take cards so you will need to pay by cash.

Access

There was an open gate into the burial ground, and a short grave path up to the chapel. The chapel door was open and there was a single step with no handrails down into the church. Inside there were a couple of benches with back support but no arms.

Toilets

There are no toilets at the chapel. However, there are 2 accessible toilets close by at Iona Community's Shop and Welcome Centre, which is opposite Iona Abbey.

Staff

There was no staff about.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is a lovely chapel and within the burial ground is the grave of John Smith, former leader of the Labour Party. It is close to the chapel on the left hand side, if facing the chapel.

Photos