The International Day of Celtic Art was originally proposed by a group of contemporary Celtic artists, scholars, traders and Celtic Art lovers that have been exchanging ideas on the internet since June 9, 2000. The archives of this group are still preserved here. The discussion continues as a Facebook Group page.

The choice of the ninth of June to celebrate Celtic Art seems almost obvious. The Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, great medieval masterpieces of Celtic art, are associated with the great Celtic spiritual leader, Saint Columba, or  as he is known in Gaelic; Columcille. June 9th is his feast day.