All paths lead to Carlow this July when the town hosts the XXVI
Columbanus Day celebration from 11th July to 13th July
2025. This significant occasion honours St Columbanus, one of
Ireland’s most influential early missionaries. St Columbanus,
patron saint of the Missionary Society of St Columban, was born
in Myshall. The three-day event promises a rich blend of
cultural, spiritual and communal experiences.
Highlights include the launch of the exhibition ‘Ireland and the
Birth of Europe’, a symposium exploring the relationship
between creation and spirituality given by Columban missionary
Fr Sean McDonagh, and a walk along the picturesque Columban
Way. Visitors can also look forward to engaging talks, such as
‘Columbanus, the Man from Myshall’, by former President
Dr Mary McAleese, taking place in the Holy Cross Church in
Myshall. The celebrations culminate with the XXVI Columbanus
Day Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption,
Carlow, on Sunday, 13th July.