Twelve Apostles of Ireland

The Twelve Apostles of Ireland were twelve Irish monks of the sixth century who studied under the guidance of Saint Finnian of Clonard, at the abbey of Clonard. It is said that about three thousand people studied under Finnian, but only the twelve most notable are known as apostles. They are: Brendan of Birr, Brendan of Clonfert, Cainnech of Aghaboe, Ciarán of Saighir (in some traditions replaced by Finnian of Clonard himself), Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, Columba of Terryglass, Columba of Iona, Laisrén mac Nad Froích, Mobhí Clárainech, Ninnidh, Ruadhán of Lorrha and Senán mac Geirrcinn.

They are remembered together on 6 January. The source shows no synodal canonization for the group; several of them have been honoured as saints of Ireland from ancient times.