What the Kells Round Tower is
Located in Kells, County Meath, Ireland, the Kells Round Tower is part of a historic monastic site that includes high crosses and other monastic features. Together, these structures offer a glimpse into early Christian Ireland and the medieval history of Kells (Historical Ragbag, Discover Boyne Valley, The Irish Road Trip).
The tower and high crosses are designated as National Monuments. The site is part of the Boyne Valley Drive, a tourist route featuring historical attractions in County Meath and County Louth (The Irish Road Trip).
History
Monastic settlement and Viking raids
The history of the tower is closely linked to Kells’ monastic settlement, which dates to the 6th century. The site was originally a fortification of the High King Diarmait mac Cerbaill, who gifted it to Saint Columba, also known as Colmcille, around 550 AD. Columba, born to the ruling family of present-day Donegal, founded the abbey (Historical Ragbag).
The Abbey of Kells was re-founded in the early 9th century by monks from Iona who fled Viking raids. The first church at Kells was completed by 814 AD. In 878 AD, the relics of Saint Columba were moved from Iona to Kells, which was then prospering. Kells was raided in 919, 950, and 969 AD, and throughout the 11th century by both Vikings and the Irish (Discover Boyne Valley).
The tower and the Book of Kells
The round tower was built during the 10th century, when many similar towers were established across Ireland. Such towers served as bell towers and symbols of ecclesiastical importance, and possibly as watchtowers for defence against Viking raids (The Irish Road Trip).
The Book of Kells, a highly ornate version of the four Gospels in Latin, was written around the year 800. It is unclear whether it was written entirely or partly at Kells. The book is now housed in Trinity College, Dublin, and is closely associated with the monastic history of Kells (Discover Boyne Valley).
In 1076, Murchadh Mac Flainn, who was fighting for the High Kingship of Ireland, was murdered in the tower (Discover Boyne Valley). Etchings from the late 1700s depict the tower much as it is today (Historical Ragbag).
What to see
The round tower
The tower stands 25 meters (approximately 90 feet) high. Its original conical roof is missing. It has six floors, which would have been accessed by ladders. Unlike many other round towers, it has five windows on the top floor: one for each cardinal point and one overlooking the main road. Its stonework is largely original, with very few minor repairs (Discover Boyne Valley, The Irish Road Trip).
High crosses and monastic features
Kells has five high crosses dating to the 9th and 10th centuries. Four are within the grounds of St. Columba’s Church, while the fifth, known as the Market Cross, is near the Old Court House Heritage Centre. They are significant examples of early medieval Christian art in Ireland, and their states of preservation vary (The Irish Road Trip).
Practical visiting information
Hours
The churchyard where the tower is located is open to the public year-round. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours.
Tickets
Entry to the churchyard is generally free, though guided tours might have a fee. Refer to the official website for current ticket prices.
Getting there and parking
Kells is accessible by car and public transport. Ample parking is available nearby.
Nearby places
Other historical sites in the Boyne Valley area include the Hill of Tara and Newgrange.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for the Kells Round Tower?
The churchyard is open to the public year-round. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours.
How much are tickets to visit the Kells Round Tower?
Entry to the churchyard is generally free, but guided tours might have a fee. Refer to the official website for current ticket prices.
What are some nearby attractions?
Other historical sites in the Boyne Valley area include the Hill of Tara and Newgrange.
