Kells
For most people Kells is associated with the Book of Kells. Kells is a busy market town rich in heritage located on the N52. Kells contains many historic remains including the Round Tower and High Crosses.
Kells first became important when it was used as a royal residence for the High Kings. In 550 A.D, St Colmcille established a religious settlement here. In 806 A.D, the monks from Iona, Scotland settled in Kells. In 1152, the Vikings held a synod here after several more raids took place. At the end of the 12th century , Hugh de Lacy was granted the whole of Meath and under the Anglo-Norman's rule the religious establishments at Kells flourished.
As a border town of the Pale, Kells was the scene of many a skirmish between Irish and Anglo - Norman troops. It was also used during Tudor times as a mustering place for soldiers. The Kells Heritage centre is located in the old Courthouse located on the Navan Road and gives and excellent overview of Kells ancient monastic history.
|
| |
Treasures of Kells:
- Crosier of Kells
This beautiful Crosier which is preserved from one of the 10th of 11th century religious establishments in Kells, is now in the British Museum.
- High Crosses
These crosses are located in various spots in Kells, the most prominent being the one located at the front of the Kells Heritage Centre. The shaft is over three metres high and is divided into four sections showing religious scenes.
- St Colmcille's House
This wonderful ruin is located beside the Church of Ireland grounds and was reportedly built in A. D. 806 by Cellach, Abbot of Iona who came to Kells.
- Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is probably the most famous of illustrated manuscripts and is one of the best know books in the world. It is now located in Trinity College Dublin and attracts large numbers of visitors. This is a manuscript of the Four Gospels in Latin. Beautifully decorated with the most painstaking detail, some of the full-page illustrations show a brilliance of colour and skill that could not be equalled today. A perfect copy of the book is located in Kells Heritage Centre along with many other treasures.
- The Round Tower
This tower, near the Church of Ireland is well preserved and nearly 35 metres high. The doorway, as usual is raised 3 metres above ground level. Inside there is no trace of the stairway or of any of the original floors. An unusual feature of this tower is that there are five instead of the usual four windows in the top storey. Ordinarily, the windows of round towers face the four compass points. However in this tower, it appears that the five windows faced towards the Five Ancient Roads of Tara.
|
Hill of Tara
Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. Attractions include an audio-visual show and guided tours of the site.
Location: 12km south of Navan. Off the N3
Bus Route(s): Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 8366111
Guided Tours: Available on request
Maximum number: 50
Duration: 35 - 40 minutes
|
Newgrange Passage Tomb
Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley.
Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO.
Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage tomb, however Newgrange is now recognised to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.
Newgrange is a large kidney shaped mound covering an area of over one acre, retained at the base by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19 metre long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. The amount of time and labour invested in construction of Newgrange suggests a well-organized society with specialised groups responsible for different aspects of construction.
|
Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, was fought on 1 July 1690 (11 July according to our modern calendar). Both kings commanded their armies in person, 36,000 on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite side - the largest number of troops ever deployed on an Irish battlefield. At stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and Religious power in Ireland.
The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is located in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House, which is on the battlesite. Access to the Visitor Centre includes access to the formal gardens. Free access to the battlesite and parklands only.
Location: The Visitor Centre is located on the South bank of the River Boyne, 4km north of Donore Village off the M1 Motorway and L21.
|
|
