St. Adomnán

Patron Saint of Diocese of Raphoe

St. Adomnán, also known as St. Eunan, was a seventh century Scottish saint known for his role as abbot of Iona Abbey and for authoring some of the most important texts from this time in Scotland. Adomnán was known as an abbot who maintained the tradition at the abbey, which had been founded by St. Columba. Adomnán’s most famous text is the Life of Columba, a hagiography of St. Columba that provides insights into the way these early monks lived. He is also known for declaring the Cáin Adomnáin (the Law of Innocents). This law was one of the first attempts in Western Europe to protect non-combatants in war.