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Eileach an Naoimh

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Eileach an Naoimh

Eileach an Naoimh The southern end of the southernmost Garvellach Islands. To the right of centre is a small light, which does not seem to be mainstream light, but is maintained as a tourist attraction [!] by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Eileach an Naoimh Credit: M J Richardson

Eileach an Naoimh is a small uninhabited island located in the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Situated in the Inner Hebrides, it is part of the Garvellachs archipelago. The island measures approximately 0.2 square kilometers and is characterized by its rugged, rocky terrain.

The name "Eileach an Naoimh" translates to "Island of the Saints" in Gaelic, which is fitting given the island's historical and religious significance. It is believed to have been a site of Christian worship since the 6th century, with ruins of an ancient monastery still visible. The monastery was established by St. Brendan, a renowned Irish saint, and served as a spiritual retreat for monks.

Today, visitors to Eileach an Naoimh can explore the remains of the monastery, including the foundations of the church, cells, and a possible hermit's cave. The island also features several early Christian crosses, some of which have been restored. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of the early Christian period.

In addition to its historical significance, Eileach an Naoimh offers stunning natural beauty. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling.

Access to Eileach an Naoimh is by private boat or ferry, and visitors are advised to check local tide times and weather conditions before planning a trip. The island's remote and untouched nature makes it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with Scotland's rich history.

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Eileach an Naoimh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.222625/-5.8064561 or Grid Reference NM6409. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eileach an Naoimh The southern end of the southernmost Garvellach Islands. To the right of centre is a small light, which does not seem to be mainstream light, but is maintained as a tourist attraction [!] by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Eileach an Naoimh
The southern end of the southernmost Garvellach Islands. To the right of centre is a small light, which does not seem to be mainstream light, but is maintained as a tourist attraction [!] by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Sgeir nam Marag A skerry, east of Eileach an Naoimh and south of A' Chùli, in the Garvellachs with perching Shags. Its location can be seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4518586">NM6410 : Eileach an Naoimh</a>, the dark skerry at mid-right.
Sgeir nam Marag
A skerry, east of Eileach an Naoimh and south of A' Chùli, in the Garvellachs with perching Shags. Its location can be seen in NM6410 : Eileach an Naoimh, the dark skerry at mid-right.
Sea Arch on Garvellachs
Sea Arch on Garvellachs
Sgeir nam Maraig
Sgeir nam Maraig
Garbh Eileach from N point of Eileach an Naoimh View over A'Chuli to Garbh Eileach showing the strong tidal race between the islets.
Garbh Eileach from N point of Eileach an Naoimh
View over A'Chuli to Garbh Eileach showing the strong tidal race between the islets.
The Garvellachs: Eilean an Naoimh Looking down from a Colonsay-Oban flight as we pass the Garvellachs. This is the southernmost of the three main islands, reaching 77m above sea level. Beyond, we see various other islands - from front to back: Eilean Dubh Mòr and Eilean Dubh Bheag to the left; Lunga disappearing off the right of the picture; Luing spanning the entire picture behind that; and Shuna behind Luing (darker, to the right). In the distance, Loch Melfort punctuates the mainland coastline on the left.
The Garvellachs: Eilean an Naoimh
Looking down from a Colonsay-Oban flight as we pass the Garvellachs. This is the southernmost of the three main islands, reaching 77m above sea level. Beyond, we see various other islands - from front to back: Eilean Dubh Mòr and Eilean Dubh Bheag to the left; Lunga disappearing off the right of the picture; Luing spanning the entire picture behind that; and Shuna behind Luing (darker, to the right). In the distance, Loch Melfort punctuates the mainland coastline on the left.
The southernmost of the Sgeirean Dubha At the south of the Garvellachs.
The southernmost of the Sgeirean Dubha
At the south of the Garvellachs.
The southernmost of the Sgeirean Dubha The navigation light on Eileach an Naoimh in the background.
The southernmost of the Sgeirean Dubha
The navigation light on Eileach an Naoimh in the background.
The southernmost of the Sgeirean Dubha
The southernmost of the Sgeirean Dubha
Eileach an Naoimh SW Top Dropped by boat below the chapel then up to Eileach an Naoimh, then onto the Vanessa trig plus TUMP top of Eileach an Naoimh SW Top, plus just had enough time to visit the lighthouse. Name: Eileach an Naoimh SW Top Hill number: 11515 Height: 77m / 253ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m) Grid ref: NM638097 (est) Drop: 38m Col: 39m NM640099
Eileach an Naoimh SW Top
Dropped by boat below the chapel then up to Eileach an Naoimh, then onto the Vanessa trig plus TUMP top of Eileach an Naoimh SW Top, plus just had enough time to visit the lighthouse. Name: Eileach an Naoimh SW Top Hill number: 11515 Height: 77m / 253ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m) Grid ref: NM638097 (est) Drop: 38m Col: 39m NM640099
Beehive Cells On Eileach an Naoimh Eileach an Naoimh means ’Island of the saints’, although doubt exists as to which saints lived on this remote island in the Garvellachs. The physical remains on the island show it to be one of the best-preserved early Christian monasteries in Scotland. Of particular interest is the unusual, beehive-shaped double cell, still standing over 3m high.
Beehive Cells On Eileach an Naoimh
Eileach an Naoimh means ’Island of the saints’, although doubt exists as to which saints lived on this remote island in the Garvellachs. The physical remains on the island show it to be one of the best-preserved early Christian monasteries in Scotland. Of particular interest is the unusual, beehive-shaped double cell, still standing over 3m high.
A'Chuli A'Chuli is the middle island of the three main Garvallachs.
A'Chuli
A'Chuli is the middle island of the three main Garvallachs.
Eileach an Naoimh Dropped by boat below the chapel then up to Eileach an Naoimh, then onto the Vanessa trig plus TUMP top of Eileach an Naoimh SW Top, to just having time to visit the lighthouse. Name: Eileach an Naoimh Hill number: 11521 Height: 80m / 262ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m), SIB Grid ref: NM644103 (est) Drop: 80m Col: Sea
Eileach an Naoimh
Dropped by boat below the chapel then up to Eileach an Naoimh, then onto the Vanessa trig plus TUMP top of Eileach an Naoimh SW Top, to just having time to visit the lighthouse. Name: Eileach an Naoimh Hill number: 11521 Height: 80m / 262ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m), SIB Grid ref: NM644103 (est) Drop: 80m Col: Sea
A' Chùli Dropped off by Farsain Cruises from Craobh Haven, then just a steep climb to this lovely viewpoint on a sunny day. Name: A' Chùli Hill number: 11534 Height: 45m / 148ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m), SIB Grid ref: NM654113 (est) Drop: 45m Col: Sea
A' Chùli
Dropped off by Farsain Cruises from Craobh Haven, then just a steep climb to this lovely viewpoint on a sunny day. Name: A' Chùli Hill number: 11534 Height: 45m / 148ft Parent (Ma/M): none Section: 20A: Jura, Scarba and Colonsay County/UA: Argyll and Bute (UA) Maritime Area: Scarba, Slate Islands & Firth of Lorn Class: Tump (0-99m), SIB Grid ref: NM654113 (est) Drop: 45m Col: Sea
Summit of Eileach an Naoimh the Garvellachs Ruined monastery lies below summit, Scarba is in left background.
Summit of Eileach an Naoimh the Garvellachs
Ruined monastery lies below summit, Scarba is in left background.
Monk's Cell beside standing stone. This is Eileach Na Naoimh, the South island of the Garvellachs
Monk's Cell beside standing stone.
This is Eileach Na Naoimh, the South island of the Garvellachs
Landing place on Eilach an Naoimh
Landing place on Eilach an Naoimh
The monastery chapel, Eilach an Naoimh This well preserved monastic settlement is believed to date from the 9th century. The chapel walls are nearly 1 metre thick and it measures 6.7m by 3.7m.
The monastery chapel, Eilach an Naoimh
This well preserved monastic settlement is believed to date from the 9th century. The chapel walls are nearly 1 metre thick and it measures 6.7m by 3.7m.
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Eileach an Naoimh is located at Grid Ref: NM6409 (Lat: 56.222625, Lng: -5.8064561)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///expensive.furnish.movements. Near Lochbuie, Argyll & Bute

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.222625,-5.8064561
Historic: ruins
Lat/Long: 56.2218407/-5.8074606
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Eilean an Dùin Argyllshire
Eilean an Rubha Argyllshire

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