Kells Heritage Town
| County: | Co. Meath |
| Tel: | 046-924 7840 |
| Fax: | 046-924 7864 |
| Email: | kellstouristoffice@meathcoco.ie |
The town of Kells is situated on the N3, 60km northwest of Dublin in the historic Boyne Valley. The circular monastic enclosure protects St.Columba’s Church, the round tower and four of the town’s five high crosses. Nearby, St. Colmcilles’ House is strategically positioned at one of the highest points in the town. It housed the relics of the Saint and the 9th Century Book of Kells.
The most famous of the crosses is situated at the Heritage Centre where a full interpretation of the inscriptions on the cross and the monastic history can be found. Kells Heritage Centre itself is housed in the beautifully restored former courthouse, originally designed by the architect Francis Johnston in 1801. The Heritage Centre also displays a facsimile of the Book of Kells and is a museum. Tourist information, a coffee shop and gift shop are also available here.
Kells Heritage Festival takes place annually in the first week in July
The tourist office has moved to Kells Town Hall while the Heritage Centre remains closed for 2010
General Information
| Address: | Kells Town Hall |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 046-924 7840 |
| Fax: | 046-924 7864 |
| Email: | kellstouristoffice@meathcoco.ie |
| Website: | http://www.meathtourism.ie |
| Location: | Kells, Co.Meath |
| Season: | All Year |
| Open Times: | May-Sept: Mon-Sat: 10.00-17.30 Sun & BHols: 14.00-18.00 Oct-Apr: Mon-Sat: 10.00-17.00 |
| Booking Contact: | Amelia Reilly |
| Manager: | Amelia Reilly |
| Average Visit Length: | 1-2 Hours |
| Town Amenities: | Angling: Fishing permits are available locally Cycling: Yes Gardens: Grove Gardens Golf: Two 18 hole golf courses in the area Guided Tours: Guided tours of the town and/or the centre, Max No: 40. Languages: English Horse Riding: At Kells Equestrian Centre Mountain Climbing: No Other Attractions: 20 minutes drive from Newgrange Walking: Slí na Sláinte route from Kells Heritage Centre to the Spire of Lloyd Swimming: Yes |
| Entrance Fees: | Adult: €4 / Child: €3 |
| Picnic Area: | No |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | No |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Other: | Group prices: Guided tours are €3 per person for 10-25 people €2 per person for bigger groups by arrangement |
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kells Heritage Centre
Kells Heritage Centre is a vibrant visitor attraction located in the Heritage Town of Kells. Housed in the beautifully restored Courthouse are a multi-media exhibition, gift shop, coffee shop and Kells Tourist Information Centre
The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is the most decorated illuminated manuscript to survive from the early medieval period in Europe. Most scholars agree that it was created by Columban monks on the remote island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland in the monastery founded by St. Columba (or Colum Cille) in the 560's. It is not known exactly when the book was transferred to Kells. The reputation of the Book of Kells rests on the profusion of its decoration, and the complexity with which the decoration is integrated with the text
