Oran na Mara is the home of our sisters and where we receive our pilgrims for our week-long Summer Pilgrimages. It is located in the village of Bunessan, about fifteen minutes away from the Isle of Iona.
If you would like to stay at the Pilgrimage House outside an organised pilgrimage, please be in touch as far in advance as possible. Our space is very limited, especially during the summer months.
We are not able to offer hospitality to anyone who has not secured our confirmation in advance.
Given the limitations of the house and the legal implications, we cannot accommodate children overnight.
No pets allowed.
If we are unable to offer you accommodation, you may use the B&Bs and self-catering cottages in our village, and join us for services.
The Chapel of St Sisoes the Great and St Brendan the Navigator is on the property and is used for the daily prayers of the sisters. All our pilgrims are welcome to join us for our services.
Getting to the Pilgrimage House:
By car
If you are driving, make sure you book your return trip by ferry in advance. Ferry spaces for cars are very limited, especially in the summer. You need to travel from Oban to Craignure (Isle of Mull).
Once you land in Craignure, turn a left from the ferry terminal and drive down the Ross of Mull towards Iona. In fifty minutes to an hour, you will enter the village of Bunessan. There is a hill taking you down immediately after the road sign saying ‘Bunessan’. At the bottom of the hill, after the 30-mile speed limit sign, there is a small road on your right, over a stone bridge. Take that road, pass the bridge and follow the line of the coast for about three minutes – it will feel like taking a left turn after the bridge. Oran na Mara is on the right hand side.
By air
The closest airport is Glasgow International Airport.
From the airport, you can get to Glasgow Queen Street Train Station by a direct shuttle bus. It is the third stop from the airport, the ride takes 15 to 20 minutes and tickets may be bought in advance or from the driver.
From Glasgow Queens Street Station, take a train into Oban. This is a direct ride, with no changes. It takes about 3 hours and a half. Tickets may be bought in advance or from the train station.
Once in Oban, walk for three minutes into the Ferry Terminal (across from the train station) and cross by ferry to Craignure, on the Isle of Mull.
Once on the island, take the bus into Bunessan and walk to Oran na Mara.
By public transport
If you are using public transport, take the train into Oban, the ferry from Oban to Craignure and the bus from Craignure to Bunessan. Ferry and bus tickets for foot passengers may be purchased on the day from the ferry terminal and the bus driver. Once in Bunessan, ask about Oran na Mara.
Ferry tickets for cars and passengers may be booked here.
Bus tickets may be purchased on the day. Bus schedule is available here.
Train tickets may be booked here.
