Forty miles from Dublin is my hometown of Kells in County Meath. Steeped in history, Kells can trace its name back to “Ceann Lios”, meaning “a great chief’s home”. The meaning behind the name suggests that an important and large fortification must once have stood here. The High Crosses of Kells are fascinating symbols of the historic Boyne Valley and part of one of Ireland’s greatest monastic settlements.
Four high crosses with fine historical details survive to this day in the town. The world famous Book of Kells was completed at the monastery, which also features the Round Tower. Just outside the town, the Spire of Lloyd, Ireland’s only inland lighthouse, was designed in part to provide work during the time of a local famine.
At 100ft high, on the summit of the Commons of Lloyd, from 428 ft above sea level one can see magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as far as the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland on a clear day. Kells was founded around the year 800 and was an important center for the church reformation in Ireland and Catholicism. Kells also provides a unique, small town feel that makes a visit to this town relaxing and memorable.
