Natalis of Ulster

Natalis (Saint Naile), Irish monk, died 564.

Ruins old church of Naile, Kinawley, Fermanagh

Natalis was an Irish monk and saint of the sixth century. His father was Aenghus who was 3rd in descent from Lughaidh, King of Munster. He died in 564. Spiritual student of Columba, he founded monasteries throughout Ulster, serving as an abbot at St Naul's Abbey, Inver (County Donegal), Kinawley (Cill Naile), Inver Naile (at Raphoe, County Donegal) and at Devenish Island where he succeeded Saint Molaise. A well in his memory still exists beside Kinawley Church, where the handle of his bell was still preserved up to the 19th century.

Natalis' feast day is January 27.

References

• Entry at Patron Saints Index
• Life of Naile. pp. 134–135, 146–148. http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/T201014/.