Kells
The Book of Kells took its name from this town, where monks kept it for centuries. The round tower and high crosses of the early monastic site still stand in the churchyard.
Best sites to see in Kells
Kells Round Tower and High Crosses
In the churchyard of St Columba's Church stand a medieval round tower and several carved high crosses, the surviving centrepieces of Kells' early monastic site. The Market Cross, moved into the town, is another fine carved cross from the same tradition.
St Colmcille's House
This small stone-roofed oratory in Kells is traditionally associated with St Columba (Colmcille). It is one of the town's oldest surviving structures and is reached by a short walk from the main street.
Spire of Lloyd
Just outside Kells, this 18th-century tower was built in the shape of a lighthouse inland, with a viewing platform overlooking the surrounding countryside. It stands in the People's Park on the Commons of Lloyd.
Kells Monastic Site and St Columba's Church
The walled churchyard occupies the site of the Columban monastery at Kells. Interpretation in the town explains its link to the Book of Kells, which was kept at Kells for centuries.
Where to stand, and when
- The Round Tower from within St Columba's churchyard: Go in morning light to catch the carved crosses with soft shadows and fewer visitors in frame.
- The Market Cross in the centre of Kells town: Photograph it early in the day before traffic builds, looking along the street to place it in its town setting.
- The Spire of Lloyd from the People's Park: Late afternoon and sunset give the tower warm light and long views across County Meath from the surrounding parkland.
Kells through history
Monks from Iona in Scotland, followers of St Columba, established and developed the monastery at Kells in the early medieval period after Viking raids on Iona.
The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript gospel book, was kept at Kells for centuries, which is how it takes its name, before it was moved to Trinity College Dublin.
Kells was an important early Christian centre in County Meath, reflected in its round tower, high crosses and surviving stone oratory.
The Spire of Lloyd outside the town is an 18th-century folly, showing how the later landed landscape developed around the older monastic town.
Practical tips
- The monastic churchyard and crosses are in the town itself, so Kells works well as an easy walking stop rather than a drive-through.
- Allow time for the short drive out to the Spire of Lloyd and the People's Park if you want the viewpoint as well as the town sites.
- Combine Kells with other Boyne Valley and Meath heritage stops nearby, but check individual site opening arrangements before travelling.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar