Diarmait of Iona facts for kids
Diarmait of Iona was an important leader, known as an Abbot of Iona, from around 814 to 832. He was a key figure in a religious movement called the Céli Dé, which aimed to bring reforms to monasteries. Diarmait helped spread this movement in Scotland, preparing the way for the next abbot, Indrechtach. Many stories about Diarmait's leadership and ideas were written down in the Monastery of Tallaght. He was likely a main source for these stories.
Who Was Diarmait of Iona?
Diarmait became the Abbot of Iona in 814. This happened when the previous abbot, Cellach, stepped down. In the same year, the famous Kells Abbey was founded. Old records, like the Annals of Ulster, say that Diarmait was the "alumnus" of a man named Daigre. This means he was Daigre's student or foster son.
Challenges During His Time
Diarmait's time as abbot was quite difficult. In 817, a king named Áed mac Néill killed a church leader from Raphoe monastery. Because of this, the monks from Iona sent a group to Tara to declare the king exiled.
The next year, in 818, records show that Diarmait traveled to Scotland. He carried with him important holy items, called relics, of Saint Colum Cille. Interestingly, the Annals of Innisfallen mention that King Áed died in Scotland the very next year, in 819.
Viking Attacks and Relic Journeys
In 825, the monastery of Iona faced a scary attack from Vikings. However, Diarmait survived this attack.
He is mentioned again in 829, when he once more traveled to Scotland with the relics of Saint Colum Cille. His last mention in the records is in 831. The Annals of Ulster state that "Diarmait came to Ireland with the halidoms (relics) of Colum Cille."
We don't know the exact year Diarmait died. His successor, Indrechtach, is not mentioned until 849. That's when Indrechtach also visited Ireland with Saint Columba's relics.
