Map of Kells

× 1. Kells Courthouse & Tourism Hub
Learn more about the Kells Courthouse & Tourism Hub.
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× 2. Market Cross
Learn more about the Market Cross.
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× 3. John’s Graveyard
St. John’s Graveyard is associated with both the Crutched Friars (Frares Crucifer) and the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem. The former, a medieval Italian order devoted to the Holy Cross, had a priory in Kells about the 12th century AD until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s. The carving known as the “Abbess of St. John” may be associated with the Knights Hospitaller of St. John who owned land in Kilmainhambeg, now part of Headfort Golf Club. Established in the 12th century to provide medical care to Christian pilgrims to the holy land, the Knights later became a military order active on the crusafdes. Their original work is reflected in the contemporary St. John’s Ambulance and the Order of Malta first aid service.

× 4. Town Hall
Kells Town Hall was originally designed as a bank in 1853 by William Caldebeck and later became the Town Hall in 1974.

× 5. Parnell Garden
This is where Charles Stewart Parnell (1846 – 1891) addressed the people of Kells about the land rights for Irish tenants on 11 April 1875.

× 6. Oliver Usher’s Auction Rooms
Originally a brewery where Ireland’s first lager, Regal, (“lager” spelt backwards) was brewed in the 1930s. It was later rebranded as Harp. Trading in antiques and fine art auction business over 40 years.

× 7. Monastic Site
Learn more about the Monastic Site.
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× 8. Colmcille’s House
Learn more about Colmcille’s House.
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× 9. Kells Printing Works
Learn more about Kells Printing Works.
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× 10. Churchyard Wall
The churchyard wall marks the boundary of the original monastic site and was rebuilt in 1914.

× 11. Bective Square
In the centre of the square stands a bronze sculpture of an oak tree, designed by local artist Betty Newman-Maguire which symbolises Colmcille’s love of the Oak. Legendary actress Maureen O’Hara was honoured with the Freedom of Kells in 2012 and is commemorated by a sculpture.
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× 12. Presbyterian Church
One of only two Presbyterian churches in Meath, built in 1870 on the lands donated by Thomas Taylour 1st Marquess of Headfort.

× 13. Colmcille’s Well
There is a patron day held annually on the eve of St. Colmcille’s feast day, June 9th. Why not sit and throw a coin in the well, make a wish or say a silent prayer.

× 14. Spire of Lloyd
Learn more about the Spire of Lloyd.
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× 15. Headfort House & Headfort Bridge
Learn more about Headfort House & Headfort Bridge.
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