Áras Cholmcille: a great day out for visitors, families and tourists

Delve into the recesses of our ancient past at the Áras Cholmcille heritage centre and interactive museum - now open six days a week.

This beautifully restored building provides a tranquil, contemplative space where people can learn from and interact with the exhibits.

The centre is close to Free Derry Corner, just a short walk along St Columb’s Wells; turning left to ascend the ‘chapel steps’ leaves you right at the door of this impactful hub of history, fact and folklore.

It is also just a few minutes’ stroll from the imposing Double Bastion and unmistakable Bishops Gate in the City Walls.

The Áras collection includes relics and artefacts, a rare facsimile of the Book of Kells, documentary sources belonging to the various bishops and priests who played such an influential role in the evolution of the Long Tower and a variety of interactive exhibits.

The museum displays prompt the visitor to imagine the life of a Celtic Christian monk, his everyday rituals, duties and activities. Video storytelling unspools, for example, the duties of a monk working in the scriptorium, preparing velum and organic inks by candle or firelight while touch-screen displays reveal a typical day punctuated by prayer from dawn until midnight. It also explores medieval beekeeping practices and the cultivation of food among many other facets of ancient monastic living.

The ground floor of the Áras offers sweeping views of the Bogside-Brandywell heartland including memorials and flashpoints linked to the modern conflict.

From a touristic, educational, cultural or religious point of view, the Áras is a repository of knowledge and artefacts, tech and talk that stimulate the mind and fire the imagination.

Savoured together the church, museum and holy precinct of St Colmcille is a must-see location for tourists and visitors and a richly rewarding family day out.

The museum is priced at just £4.00 entry, the church is, of course, free and everyone is most welcome.

MASS TIMES at St Columba’s Long Tower are weekdays: 10 am Monday to Saturday and 7:30pm Monday to Thursday; Saturday Vigil Mass: 6pm; and Sunday Mass: 8am, 10am and 12am.