- Saint Columba (Columcille): June 9, c. 521–597: Waterside (St. Columba’s Church, Long Tower), Derry CityOne of Ireland’s three patron saints, Columba, born in Donegal, founded a monastery in Derry in 546, his first major foundation. Known as “Dove of the Church,” he copied a psalter at Movilla, sparking the Battle of Cul Dremhe (561), the first copyright dispute. Exiled as penance, he founded Iona in Scotland, converting the Picts. His Life by Adomnán records miracles and missionary zeal. St. Columba’s Church, Long Tower, is a key Derry pilgrimage site.
- Saint Canice (Cainnech): October 11, c. 515–600: DungivenA member of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland,” Canice, born in Derry’s Glengiven, founded a monastery at Dungiven. Trained at Clonard under St. Finnian, he also established Aghaboe in Laois. Known for his missionary work in Scotland alongside Columba, his Life records miracles like calming storms. Dungiven’s priory ruins and parish church honor him, with his feast in the Martyrology of Donegal.
- Saint Eugene (Eoghan): August 23, c. 6th century: Derry City (St. Eugene’s Cathedral), Ardstraw (historically linked)Eugene, possibly a disciple of St. Patrick, is patron of the Diocese of Derry. Tradition holds he founded a church in Derry, later becoming bishop of Ardstraw (Tyrone, but linked to Derry’s diocese). His Life is sparse, but he is venerated for spreading Christianity in northwest Ireland. St. Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry City is dedicated to him, and his feast is noted in Irish martyrologies.
- Saint Colman Muilinn of Derrykeighan: January 1, c. 6th century: DerrykeighanColman Muilinn, an obscure saint, is associated with Derrykeighan parish in north Derry. His name suggests a connection to a mill (muilinn), possibly indicating a monastic site. His feast is recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal, but little is known of his life. Derrykeighan’s church site preserves his memory, reflecting Derry’s tradition of local saints.
- Saint Muiredach O’Heney: August 12, c. 6th century: BallintempleMuiredach, a missionary bishop, is linked to Ballintemple parish near Garvagh. Tradition suggests he was a companion of St. Columba, working in Derry’s monastic network. His feast is noted in the Martyrology of Oengus, and his church at Ballintemple, with a possible holy well, underscores his role in early Christian Derry.
- Saint Adamnan (Eunan): September 23, c. 624–704: Buncrana (historically linked), DrumhomeAdamnan, ninth abbot of Iona, was born in Drumhome, Derry (now partly in Donegal). He wrote the Life of St. Columba and the Cáin Adomnáin, a law protecting non-combatants in war. A scholar and diplomat, he promoted the Roman Easter date. Buncrana’s church and Derry’s St. Eunan’s College honor him, with his feast in the Martyrology of Donegal.
- Saint Fiachra: August 30, c. 7th century: Desertmartin (historically linked)Fiachra, a monk, is associated with Desertmartin parish through early Christian traditions. He founded a hermitage in France at Meaux, known for his garden and hospitality. His feast is recorded in the Martyrology of Oengus, and his link to Derry reflects the county’s missionary outreach to Europe. Desertmartin’s church site may preserve his memory.
- Saint Cairell: May 12, c. 6th century: Tamlaghtard (Magilligan)Cairell, a bishop, is linked to Tamlaghtard parish in Magilligan. Tradition holds he was a disciple of St. Columba, serving in Derry’s monastic community. His feast is noted in the Martyrology of Donegal, but details are sparse. Tamlaghtard’s church and coastal location reflect Derry’s early Christian foundations.
- Saint Conall: May 22, c. 6th century: FaughanvaleConall, possibly Conall Coel, is associated with Faughanvale parish near Eglinton. A monk in Columba’s circle, he is linked to Inishkeel, Donegal, but venerated in Derry for his missionary work. His feast is in the Martyrology of Oengus, and Faughanvale’s church site honors his role in northwest Ireland’s Christianization.
- Saint Brigid of Kildare: February 1, c. 451–525: Dungiven (historically linked)One of Ireland’s three patron saints, Brigid is linked to Derry through her influence in Dungiven, where a church may have been dedicated to her. Known for her generosity and miracles, she founded Kildare’s convent. Her cult spread to Derry, with her feast in the Martyrology of Donegal. Tradition claims she is buried with Columba in Downpatrick.
- Saint Luran: March 16, c. 6th century: MagheraLuran, an obscure saint, is associated with Maghera parish, where he may have founded a church. His feast is recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal, but little is known of his life. Maghera’s ecclesiastical site, tied to St. Lugh’s foundation, reflects Derry’s dense network of local saints.
- Saint Finnian of Movilla: September 10, c. 495–589: Culmore (historically linked)Finnian, one of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland,” founded Movilla Abbey in Down but is linked to Derry through missionary work, possibly in Culmore parish. A teacher of Columba, he brought manuscripts from Wales, fostering learning. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and his influence in Derry reflects its ties to Ulster’s monastic network.
Saints
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Sacred Places
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Holy Wells
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Derry:
Ireland’s county Derry offers a rich historical tapestry, with the city’s 17th-century walls providing a walkable journey through its past. The Guildhall and Tower Museum explore Derry’s maritime and political history, while the Peace Bridge offers scenic views over the River Foyle. Derry is Ireland’s 15th largest county by size (2,067 square km) and sixth largest by population (252,231). Population previously peaked at 222,174 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 139,693 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Derry is Ireland’s 16th most visited tourist county with around 135,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards– Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
