AUGUST 2007

Celtic Prayer Garden

A prayer garden in Inishowen is gearing up for National Heritage week which takes place next week (27th August).

The story of Ireland from 5th to 12th century is told at the Celtic Prayer Garden at Iosas Centre, Derrybane near Muff. The six acre raised bog garden depicts the lives of the best known of Ireland's Celtic saints including Donegal born saint Columba (Colmcille) and his replica drystone cell.

Saint Canice, from near Limavady is honoured by a strawbale built, thatched Oratory, acknowledging Canice's great gift of interceding for others. The adventures of Saint Brendan the Navigator are recognised in the whale-shaped lake symbolizing his quests. Journeying around the garden shaped like the island of Ireland, a prayer/guide book provides a brief historical background on each of the saints.

At the center of the garden is Trinity Circle and the wonderful bronze statue of the risen Christ sculpted by Maurice Harron. In the adjoining Iosas Visitor Center, visitors view a 20 minute DVD before visiting the Garden. This gives the background to how the garden came about and the Columba Community who developed it. In the DVD Fr. Neal Carlin, its founder, talks about how the lives and faith of the Celtic saints are relevant to life today. Refreshments are available at the centre and the gift shop sells many interesting hand crafted items including patchwork quilts and polished bog oak.

The Iosas Centre, Celtic Prayer Garden is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. For further information contact 074 93 84866 or email goldenagecentre@hotmail.com

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