The Dove - The Story of Colmcille In Dublin

To celebrate the 1500 year anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland’s most prolific saints - St Colmcille, Fingal County Council in association with Creative Ireland have launched a documentary series about the life of the saint and his connection with the Swords area.

The four part video series explores the tales of ‘The Dove’ where presenter Pamela Finn met with renowned archeologist and historian Dr. Brian Lacey to discuss Saint Colmcille and his legacy.

Dr. Lacey brings viewers on a journey learning about the saints life, how his christian name originated into ‘Dove of the Church’. The documentary series also explores the legendary story of the historical battle that took place after Colmcille and St Finian’s copyright judgement which led to the saying "To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to every book belongs its copy."

Colmcille founded the Black Abbey at Derry and monasteries at Kells in Meath, Durrow in Offaly and Swords in Dublin, among others. Evidence of the sixth century ecclesiastical settlement in Swords still exists, centred on St. Columba’s Church of Ireland Church on Church Road. In this documentary , filmed in the Swords area, we learn how monastery led to the development of the town. Dr Lacey also talks about how the relic of Colmcille was used as a spiritual weapon by the O Donnell Clan in a battle where it received it name ‘The Battle Book’.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4