Dr Cornel Dora, director of the Abbey Library, St Gallen, Switzerland, will give a lecture on the incredible collection of manuscripts and writings, many of which are attributed to Bangor and Nendrum Monastic Site on Mahee Island, that are kept in the magnificent Abbey Library.

From 1993 to 2001 Dr Cornel Dora worked as a librarian in the Abbey Library of St. Gallen. From 2001 to 2013 he was director of the Kantonsbibliothek Vadiana, the state library of St. Gallen. Since 2013 he has been the director of the Abbey Library of St. Gallen.  His scholarly interests include cultural and ecclesiastical history as well as the history of books and libraries.

Among the collections holding Irish manuscripts, the Abbey Library of St Gall stands out. The talk tells why, beginning with the personality of Saint Gall, and then elaborating on the presence of Irishness in one of the important centres of learning in early medieval Europe.

Parking available on site
Fully accessible facilities
Ticket price includes a light lunch

Tickets will also be available from:

Bangor Visitor Information Centre – Tower House, 34 Quay Street | T: 028 9127 0069

Ards Visitor Information Centre – 31 Regent Street, Newtownards | T: 028 9182 6846

Please note, online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

The Columbanus Festival has received funding by the Department for Communities and Ards and North Down Borough Council.

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