[1] The parish physically consists of four separate areas: Ardmeanach, Ross, Iona, and Brolas.

South of this loch is the southern-most of the three peninsulas, named Ross (Gaelic for promontory[2]).

West of Ross is the island of Iona, which is about one mile (1.6 km) offshore.

[1][3] The main offshore islands are Iona, Erraid and Inch Kenneth.

Further out are the Torran Rocks and the Dubh Artach lighthouse, which are also within the civil parish.

The village of Bunessan (with adjoining lower and upper Ardtun) had a population of 180 in 2011.

[3] The main parish church of Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon, in Bunessan, has a plain oblong style.

[9] It replaced the old church of Kilvickeon, which lies three miles (4.8 km) to the south-east, near Loch Assapol.

At the time, the “quoad sacra” parish of Iona also included Fidden, Knockvologan, Pottie, Catchean and Creich in the Ross of Mull.

The name Kilfinichen means in Gaelic St. Finichen (or Findchan), one of St. Columba’s monks.