Feast of St Columba (Colmcille) Derry

What to Expect

The Feast of St Columba (Colmcille) on 9 June marks the anniversary of the death of Derry’s patron saint in 597 AD. The day’s events begin early with a Mass at the Hawthorn Tree at 7am, followed by a Mass for Schools and Families at 10am. In the evening, Vespers are celebrated at the Lumen Christi College Bell Tower at 6.30pm, followed by the Rosary in Irish at the Calvary at 7pm. The main Mass of St Columba is celebrated at 7.30pm, after which a procession makes its way to St Columb’s Well, where the well is blessed and pilgrims collect the holy water.

In 2026 the celebrations also mark the 80th anniversary of the consecration of the restored Long Tower Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the North West of Ireland.

Good to Know

• Date: Tuesday 9 June 2026, with events running from 7am through to the evening
• Venue: Long Tower Church, Long Tower Street, and St Columb’s Well, Derry
• Price: Free to attend
• Tradition: Pilgrims wear an oak leaf, which is associated with Colmcille, and fill bottles with the well water believed to have healing properties
• The vigil of adoration begins the evening before (8 June, from 8pm)

Getting There

Long Tower Church is located on Long Tower Street in the Bogside area of Derry city, a short walk from the Walled City centre. Ample street access from Fahan Street and Nailor’s Row.