Columba Journey

Columba Journey

The Churches Trust is thrilled to deliver the Columba Journey Project, an innovative, two-year program celebrating the life and legacy of St. Columba. Supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Derry City and Strabane District Council, Columba Journey invites participants of all ages to explore shared cultural heritage and peacebuilding through events, talks, and immersive learning experiences listed below.


Columba Connections

Study visits & workshops.


An engaging series of events that invites participants to explore the rich legacy of St. Columba through diverse and interactive experiences. This programme includes thought-provoking talks and panel discussions with local historians, theologians, and community leaders, alongside workshops that share personal stories of faith and reconciliation. Participants can immerse themselves in guided tours of historically significant sites, including Derry, Gartan, and Tory Island, as well as a transformative visit to the sacred island of Iona. Together, these activities celebrate shared heritage while fostering dialogue, understanding, and connection across communities.


Columba Conversations

Talks on conflict, reconciliation
& shared values.


Throughout 2025 and beyond, Columba Journey will feature a diverse series of Columba Conversations, engaging local experts and community figures in discussions on the vulnerability of religions to being manipulated for political agendas. The collaborative role of faith traditions in recovering from such manipulation and shared values of peace, justice, and equality at the core of faith traditions. This dialogue series will bring Columba’s story to life, connecting it with contemporary issues and inviting audience members to actively participate.


Columba Champions

Accredited learning for Young People.


Launching in January 2025, Columba Champions is a unique opportunity for young people aged 15–24 to delve into Columba’s legacy through hands-on learning, heritage tours, and creative project work. The 10-session, OCN-accredited course will explore themes of heritage, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution, using the life of Columba as a lens for understanding community and resilience in today’s world. Participants work in groups to create artistic and digital projects—such as podcasts, videos, and performances—that interpret Columba’s impact and inspire connection.



Columba Camps

Summer youth programmes.


This is an opportunity for young participants to immerse themselves in heritage and interfaith dialogue. These youth camps, to be held in summer 2025, will take groups on study visits across Derry and Donegal. Participants will have a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of Columba, fostering cross-community friendships and creative self-expression along the way.


Columba Calls

Heritage Weekend 2026.


In June 2026, Columba Journey will culminate in Columba Calls Heritage Weekend, celebrating the Feast Day with a vibrant festival of talks, storytelling, performances, community workshops, and exhibitions. This will be a new annual event to honour Columba’s legacy of peace, unity, and shared heritage, cementing the Columba Journey Project’s vision of connecting communities across borders.


“Columba Journey is about exploring our shared past to inspire a peaceful future,” said Project Co-ordinator Cat Brogan. “By engaging communities, especially young people, in the powerful story of St. Columba, we hope to strengthen our bonds and celebrate the unity in our diversity.”


Whether through attending a Columba Connection, Conversation, becoming a Columba Champion, attending a camp, or joining the heritage weekend, the Columba Journey Project invites everyone to discover, connect, and celebrate Columba’s lasting impact.


To get involved or learn more, please contact info@thechurchestrust.org.uk. 

Columba 2020


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