He spent the next 34 years establishing churches and schools, and staffing them with many disciples who were attracted by his ardent penance, fervent prayer, sincere preaching, and deep confidence in God.

Columbkille spent much time copying the Scriptures and other manuscripts and writing poems. His great book, the Book of Kells, is a work of perfection with no peer in the world of ancient calligraphy. Columbkille died in 597 and is honored as the Patron of Scotland.