After a week in Skye, we’ll be spending another week in Dervaig on the Isle of Mull. I’m considering adding one night in Iona at the end of our time on Mull, and trying to decide if it’s still worth it given we’ll already have a full week nearby.
Would love your thoughts—do you think an overnight in Iona adds something special, or would a day trip be enough?
I've stayed in Iona overnight on two occasions. Once in a B&B and once at the yurts at the north end. It was quite nice walking the quiet island after hours. Attended a concert at the abbey, walked out to Columba's beach, climbed the Dun Ì for the lovely sunset. The little museum is very good, as well as exploring the abbey. It was quite evocative. I would definitely recommend a night. Or two.
I have not spent the night on Iona, but have been there and it is really a unique and beautiful place. So I definitely agree that adding a night there would be something special.
That said, if you do decide to stay there, book your lodging as much ahead as possible, as accommodations can sell out quickly, given the limited amount of places to stay and its popularity.
I have been to Iona for a day trip and also stayed overnight a few nights another time at the St Columba Hotel. It was definitely worth staying there and a whole different experience. It was much more peaceful and relaxing and quite a spiritual/mystical experience staying on the island. If you have any interest, the morning and evening very brief services at the Abbey were amazing. They are inclusive and non denominational and were a real highlight and rather unforgettable.
It is a great idea, but do it at the start or in the middle of your Mull stay, in case of ferry cancellations due to wind.
But the same is true of Mull. Allow at least a one day buffer before a flight home in case of ferry cancellations.
Iona is lovely as an overnight - we rarely miss a visit while on Mull - but I’m not sure it’s worth it. It’s a fair old drive from Dervaig there and back - minimising ferry issues you could do an overnight in or near Fionnphort giving you the chance for a long day on that end of the island, perhaps including a walk to the Knockvologan beaches too.Plus the Staffa trip if in season.
4 hours or so on Iona will let you see the Abbey, explore the gorgeous North End beaches, climb little Dun I and have some lunch in the Argyll or St Columba hotels or other cafes.
Thank you all for the information—I really appreciate it. I’m still having a hard time deciding, mostly because I’m unsure how different the experience would be compared to Mull and Skye.
Thanks again for all your help!
