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Kells Co. Meath - History

Kells Co. Meath is a small market town fifty kilometres northwest of Dublin, Ireland.

From its earliest mention in the Annals of the Four Masters when a dun settlement was first built here in 1207 BC, Kells has had a long and checkered history.

In the early 9^th century, it came into prominence with the building of the Columban monastery that flourished until the 12^th century, withstanding various sackings and burning from local and Norse raiding parties. The Great Book of Kells was completed during this period. This book is on display in Trinity College, Dublin (there is a copy in the Town Hall).

In the 12^th century, after the coming of the Anglo-Normans, the monastery ceased. A castle was built and over the centuries Kells became a walled town. It was attacked and burned on numerous occasions, either by the natives or English until it was completely ruined in the 17^th century.

Since that period the town has grown in size and statue to the thriving market town it is today.

The 100ft Round Tower, Columba’s Stone House and the Sculptured Crosses from the 9^th/10^th century survived from the earlier monastic city.

Today Kells is a modern town, offering good eating-houses, quality accommodations, sporting activities, pubs and wide variety of shops.

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