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The documented history of Kells goes back to the time when St.Colmcille founded a monastery in the town, around 545 AD. However, Kells was a busy settlement before that period, as it is situated beside the River Blackwater, which connects with the River Boyne, ten miles away, which goes directly to the Coast. After his time in Ireland, St. Colmcille went to Iona, a small Scottish Island, where he died in 567 AD. Kells continued to grow in importance after that, and by the 900’s was an important monastic settlement. During those years, the famous Celtic Crosses were carved, including the rare Market Cross. These can be visited in the town, and there is also from the same period, a magnificent Round Tower. There is also another group of Crosses about three miles away in Castlekieran. Some years later, the building known as St.Colmcille’s House was started. Although of course not used by the Saint, it is thought that it was used for many different purposes, including shelter, a place of worship and possibly a home for the Book of Kells. It is in excellent condition and worth a visit. The Book of Kells was started in Iona in the 700’s and finished in Kells. It remained in Kells for almost a thousand years until the Bishop of Meath in the 1640’s decided to lend it to Trinity College for safe-keeping, as Cromwell was raiding and burning monasteries in the area. The people of Kells naturally feel it should be returned now to the town. There is a perfect replica of it in the town’s Heritage Centre. There is a also a replica of the historic Crozier of Kells thought to date from the 7th Century. Kells continued for several centuries as a centre of learning and religion, and there are the remains of a 14th century Abbey to be seen also. The town did not escape the famine in 1841 and at one time there was a workhouse for the sick people and there is a Famine graveyard on top of the Hill of Lloyd, just outside the town. Also on this hill you can see an unusual, very tall tower like a lighthouse which was built in 1759. In the 1750’s –60’s, Headfort house, a beautiful Adam-designed mansion was built near kells and is now the home for a private school. After the famine, Kells showed a robust courage and before long a Lace making industry was founded and also one of the earliest Breweries for making Lager. The town continues to flourish and displays its long and interesting history with great knowledge and pride. |
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History of kells |
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Kells, the historical town of County Meath, in the heart of Ireland... |
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EXPLORATION EDUCATION EXHILARATION |
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