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Donegal
Muff
IOSAS Centre
IOSAS Centre
A view of one of the prayer rooms in the gardens
IOSAS Centre
Muff, Co. Donegal
  • Nature and wildlife
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The IOSAS Centre and Celtic Prayer Garden, in Muff, County Donegal, depicts the lives of Ireland's Celtic saints. It is a place of incredible natural beauty and peace away from today's hectic pace of life.

Opened in 2006, the IOSAS (Island Of Saints And Scholars) Celtic Prayer Garden is situated on the Donegal side of the border with Derry. It is set in six acres of natural bog land and its purpose is two-fold. Firstly, to honour the men and women of Ireland’s golden age of the 5th to 12th centuries and secondly, to renew interest in the characteristics of Celtic spirituality so that using them, the visitor will also be renewed.

The Celtic Peace Garden at the IOSAS Centre is the culmination of the Columba Community's work of reconciliation over the past 20 years. It is built near The White Oaks Centre and brings serenity and healing to visitors and to the residents of the centre.

The garden is inspired by the 5th to 12th Century spiritual renaissance in Europe, which followed the fall of the Roman Empire. The garden, with its representations of the Cross of Patrick, the Boat of Brendan, the Island of Columba and the Oratory of Canice, inspires visitors to a spiritual re-awakening and renewal following the recent troubles in this land. Also, a rough pathway round the perimeter of the garden affords Christian pilgrims ample opportunity for reflective prayer.

The video of the Celtic saints shown at the visitor centre introduces the pilgrim to the elements of the spirituality of Ireland's golden age. The centre contains a gift shop, coffee shop, a meeting/dining space for groups on retreat and for visitors and also has bathroom facilities. The gift shop stocks a variety of products as well as some hand crafted work done by the residents and tutors of White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre.

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+353749384866
Derryvane, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 30 minutes to 1 hour here.

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