ABSTRACT
Born into one of the ruling families of the northern part of Ireland, Adomnán became abbot of Iona in 679. He remained involved in Irish affairs, and is responsible for Cain Adomnáin (697), a law protecting women, children and clergy from violence. Though he did not succeed in converting the monks of Iona away from the 84-year Easter cycle, he probably played an important role in the eventual adoption of Dionysian Easter reckoning throughout Ireland by the beginning of the 8th century. He is known as the author of two major works: De Locis Sanctis, purporting to be the account of a pilgrimage to the Near East, and the Vita Columbae honouring the saintly founder of the monastery of Iona.
