About Brendan the Navigator
Lived 486 – 577 (aged 90–91). Brendan the Navigator was an explorer, writer, catholic priest, seafarer and missionary.
Brendan of Clonfert (c. AD 484 – c. 577) is one of the early Irish monastic saints and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He is also referred to as Brendan the Navigator, Brendan the Voyager, Brendan the Anchorite, and Brendan the Bold. The Irish form of his name is or . He is mainly known for his legendary voyage to find the "Isle of the Blessed" which is sometimes referred to as "Saint Brendan’s Island". The written narrative of his journey comes from the immram (Voyage of Saint Brendan the Abbot).
Saint Brendan's feast day is celebrated on 16 May by Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians.
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Important facts
more
Brendan the Anchorite, St. BrendanRelated people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Brendan the Navigator's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Brendan the Navigator?
Irish monastic saint
When was Brendan the Navigator born?
Brendan the Navigator was born in 486 in Fenit.
When did Brendan the Navigator die?
Brendan the Navigator died in 577 in Annaghdown.
What was Brendan the Navigator's occupation?
Brendan the Navigator was an explorer, writer, catholic priest, seafarer and missionary.
What nationality was Brendan the Navigator?
Brendan the Navigator's recorded nationality: Hibernia.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Brendan the Navigator
· DBpedia: Brendan the Navigator
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Brendan the Navigator. https://biography.guide/brendan-the-navigator/
MLA: "Brendan the Navigator." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/brendan-the-navigator/.
Chicago: "Brendan the Navigator." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/brendan-the-navigator/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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