Top Things to do in The Hebrides
The 6 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in The Hebrides, Scotland
This beautiful archipelago, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides and stretches the length of Scotland's west coast. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Islay, home to prolific whisky production, is another gem. Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra.
Restaurants in The Hebrides
1. Oronsay Priory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Scotlandmac - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Stunning ruins on a beautiful island (I actually preferred Oronsay to Colonsay).Carved grave slabs were superb as were the two Celtic crosses.The whole setting is peaceful and lovely - the adjacent farm, unusually, actually adds to the setting, it is such a beautiful stone building in itself. It's a 15-20min walk across the tidal sands and detailed descriptions are posted in accommodation etc per day, per month re how much time you have and when you can cross safely.Very very helpful.We had 3 hours maximum on the island; some days it is not possible to cross at all. Even at low tide there were sections which came up above the ankles so walking boots aren't a great idea.We wore wellies which were perfect and changed into boots for our 10km walk round part of the island. Lovely white sand beach and machair just 10mins walk from the Priory, using well marked yellow gates which indicate the best route ahead. Views to Jura across the sands at Seal Cottage were glorious with seals singing offshore.
2. St. Oran's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
This church, the oldest building on the island, is named after Oran, a convert who was buried alive to sanctify the church grounds.
3. Iona Abbey and Nunnery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,010 reviews
The abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Find out more about our reopening plans at restarthistory.scot. The Abbey Church at Iona Abbey will be inaccessible to visitors from 7 January to 17 March 2019. Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites. Located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull, it was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship. The abbey church was restored at the beginning of the 20th century, whilst work on restoring the living accommodation began in 1938, following the foundation of the Iona Community. Today, the Iona Community continues the tradition of worship first established by St Columba 1,450 years ago.
Reviewed By joanhart - Wellington, New Zealand
It was a stunning day in August last year whilst on a bus tour, that I got to fulfil a lifelong ambition to visit Iona. THe island is small, but with lovely gardens and ruins that were well worth the effort to see. THe Abbey is amazing - old yet vibrant and so windswept, the stone building having stood since around 800BC, it is one of the oldest Christian churches in western Europe founded by St Columba with 12 other Irish pilgrims. There is a nunnery, but this is in ruins but reasonably well preserved. Worth the trip and hsirotically, very important for me.
4. St Clement's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 390 reviews
Reviewed By tonybaker1977 - Hoover, United States
Lots of interesting tombs and carvings inside the church and a few outside . It helped complete the cultural aspect of our trip to Harris . A few were very , unusual , shall we say , I'll let you look it up .
5. St. Columba's Isle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By G3079MRlynnc - Kernersville, United States
This was my second visit to this ancient place. First, you have to be interested in history and like old grave yards and ruins. Second, you have to be sure footed, as the terrain is full of mounds and holes and lots of "cow pies". It's a bit hard to find, located near the water. The graves range from ancient to late 20th century. The Kirk is in ruins, but really interesting. I love history and don't mind dodging cow pies, so I loved it. I still don't get why cows are allowed to graze in a graveyard.
6. Iona Nunnery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By susanaI8146OV - Dundee, United Kingdom
En route to the Iona Abbey you come to the Nunnery which is very interesting to see and although a ruin it is very picturesque
