The Bottom Line
- Compact arrangement of medieval buildings and monuments.
- Typical Irish town with colorful center.
- Local museum has excellent replica of "Book of Kells".
- Traffic to and in Kells can be murder.
Description
- Kells or Ceanannus Mór was an important monastic settlement founded by St. Columba.
- The famous "Book of Kells" was kept (but not created) here.
- A round tower, high crosses and St. Columba's House are important medieval remains.
Guide Review - Kells (County Meath)
Kells is on the N3 between Navan and Cavan, one of the busiest roads in Ireland and an epicenter of traffic jams. So getting there might be offputting. And the traffic in town can be slow at best. Once in Kells, however, you can leave your car parked to have a thorough look around. The best place to start is the Heritage Centre in the Old Courthouse, just on you right when you enter Kells on the N3 from Navan. This will not only give you a comprehensive introduction to the town's history. You can also have a good, long look at a reproduction of the famous "Book of Kells", the original is kept in Trinity College Dublin and far less accessible.
When you leave the Heritage Centre you will have Kells' first high cross in view. After this head for the church tower straight in front of you on top of a small hill. This will lead you to the old church, which in itself is remarkable for the separate bell tower besides it. The churchyard, however, is the main attraction. Here you will find a splendid round tower and several examples of high crosses. Take special note of an unfinished cross that graphically demonstrates how these were carved step by step. You are now actually on the grounds of the old Kells monastery, founded by St. Columba in the 6th century.
The saint's name is more often heard with a small and nearly hidden building across the small road. Here you will find St. Columba's House, a very small stone church with a rather steep roof. You may obtain a key locally.
If you are feeling very energetic walk from the round tower to the People's Park just outside Kells. Here a splendid "folly" was erected, resembling a lighthouse. Passing motorists are often confused why a lighthouse would be built so far inland.
