Top Things to do in Kells
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What to do and see in Kells, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Kells, Ireland including Headfort Golf Club, Kells Monastic Site, Spire of Lloyd, The Courtyard Kells, Ancient East Boyne Tours, The Market High Cross, Girley Bog Eco Walk, St. Colmcille's House, McCabes Bar, The Priory Bar.
Restaurants in Kells
1. Headfort Golf Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 47 reviews
Headfort Golf Club is an outstanding 36 hole parkland complex dominated by magnificent specimen trees and river scenery. Both courses take full advantage of the natural beauty of one of Ireland's oldest and finest estates. Located near the picturesque heritage town of Kells in County Meath, it is easily accessible via Exit 10 of the M3 motorway (35 minutes drive from Dublin) "It's the finest piece of land I have worked with and could host the Irish Open without any trouble," said Christy O'Connor Jr. New Course designer and Ryder Cup hero. The Headfort New Course is consistently ranked in the Top 10 parkland courses in all Ireland. Golf Societies and Group Visits are welcome. There is a Proshop on site offering golf equipment and hire and lessons with a professional. The Clubhouse has an extensive restaurant and bar and is also available for private functions. Special value overnight accommodation packages are available with the nearby Headfort Arms Hotel.
Reviewed By Marie C - Moynalty, County Meath, Ireland
Had a lovely time here today what a view over the golf course while we sat and relaxed before our lunch. There were plenty of golfers around a nice atmosphere. The staff were very friendly the children had a great a t time. The chick and mushroom volavant was the tastiest I have had potato and veg cooked to perfection overall highly recommend for a small family function
2. Kells Monastic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
A special place, not much changed in 1,200 years. A place where the incomparable Book of Kells was written and housed for over 800 years. The biggest collection of high crosses in one area. The royal residence of High King Cormac mac Air, the Law Maker.
Reviewed By Quasimama - Port St Lucie, FL
This Monastery of St Colmcille - or was his name really Cillian or Killian or Columb? - stands in the quaint little village of Kells. It was built on the site of a destroyed Medieval Church, with only the Bell Tower remaining. The present St Columb's Church was probably built in the mid-1700's. (BTW, what is popularly known as the saint's nearby "house" wasn't actually even built til almost 400 years later.) At one time, the monastic boundaries were marked by large stone Irish crosses, and one of them is still on the grounds. Another, called "The Market Cross" has been moved to a little park in front of the town's Heritage Center. The day we visited, we actually saw some teen boys climbing in to one of the Round Tower windows, and suspected they were up to no good - we knocked on the caretaker's door and told him. He thanked us and said he would see to it right away. 'Glad to have maybe done our part to preserve Ireland's heritage!
3. Spire of Lloyd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
This inland lighthouse was designed by Henry Aaron Baker (designer of the King’s Inn, Dublin) for the First Earl of Bective in memory of his father Sir Thomas Taylor in 1791.At 30m high, one can see magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as far as the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland on a clear day. The Spire was used to view horse racing and the hunt in the 19th century.The spires stands on the site of an iron age ring fort. The community park (The People’s Park) includes the “Paupers Graveyard”, in which many, many victims of the mid-19th century famine lie buried.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Really enjoyed an early morning walk around the Spire of Lloyd and Peoples Park area. it is a short drive from Kells town centre and easily walkable too if you don't have a car.
There are picnic benches in the park and a playground if you have kids with you.
The Spire offers magnificent views of Kells and the surroundibng landscape, I'd be amazed if there were better views of the ara than this.
There are display boards to tell you about the spire and its history but no guided tours or anything, at least not on my visit but to be fair I was not here in tourist season.
The adjacent Paupers Cemetery is really interesting, where a lot of the poor people who died in the Great Famine of the 1840's were buried in unmarked graves. it is a wild, lonesome spot but has a bleak beauty and serenity all the same. Don't miss the lovely tribute poem inscribed into the rock by the entrance.
A lovely place to visit.
4. The Courtyard Kells
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By maryhand2016 - Dublin, Ireland
Visited the Courtyard today with my son and daughter in law. It is an absolute delight of delicious crafts, furniture, trinkets and delight. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore a unique and intimate treasure trove. With the added bonus of a cosy coffee section and the lovely dogs who roan freely to assist visitors, and the lovely and friendly proprietors, it puts the likes of Avocado and Kilkenny Design to shame
5. Ancient East Boyne Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Ancient East Boyne Tours offers walking tours of Kells (Euro 7.50 per person) as well as scheduling tailor made day tours in the Boyne Valley & Ireland's Ancient East. We are passionate about the heritage of Ireland, and we welcome you for a leisurely and enjoyable way to see our heritage, a chance to learn all about its history and culture, and to enjoy great Irish scenery, accommodation and food, and meet the locals!
Reviewed By Kathleen M
Not to be missed, a visit to the Loughcrew Cairn with the Hags Chair was an incredible experience. Lucy brought the history and lore of the land to life. Personalized service, thorough knowledge, and a chance to get to know the people of Kells.
Lucy escorted us to a Halloween party in town where the bonfire was spectacular, the storyteller mesmerizing and the folk singer delighted us with song.
Lucy knows her way around and we enjoyed every minute with her!
6. The Market High Cross
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Juliana C - Etna, California
Since the summer sun is up so long in Ireland, my husband didn't want to leave without seeing the Market High Cross. We found that this was one of many sites we would want to see on a return visit to the area.
7. Girley Bog Eco Walk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 359frank - County Dublin, Ireland
A bit of a disappointment. A bland enough walk and not well signposted. Be careful: the boardwalk is coming a bit loose in a few places. Signposting is poor and at one particularly ambiguous spot you could be sent off on an incorrect path.
OK if you live locally but definitely not worth a journey.
The path off the main road to the car park is badly potholed and barely driveable.
Also rather a lot of dog poo on the path for the first mile or so.
Don't think I'd bother coming again.
8. St. Colmcille's House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Adam S - Vashon, Washington
The house can be viewed from the street but you can only gain access from the key keeper who lives a few houses down the hill, opposite the main entrance to the church yard so leave some extra time if you want to see inside. There is a single room and some alcoves as well as a steep ladder up to the monk's sleeping quarters. We were not allowed to go up due to a recent accident. If you are on the trail of St. Columba it is worth a visit otherwise there is not much to it.
9. McCabes Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By 5StarHolidayFAn - Dublin, Ireland
Gorgeous country pub with very friendly staff & customers. Great atmosphere. Great attention to detail & definitely one of Meath's if not Ireland's best pubs. Spotlessly clean. Look forward to visiting again.
10. The Priory Bar
Overall Ratings
3 based on 2 reviews
If you are eager to venture away from the beaten track and visit a true Irish bar then The Priory Bar may be just what you are looking for. This traditional Irish Pub is situated in the heart of the village of Kells, next to the ruins of the monastic settlement of Kells Priory. Open every day of the week from 5pm till late, The pub has built up a great reputation for it's Thursday night traditional music sessions. Where from 9pm you can sit by the comfort of a burning fire and join in with local musicians for a good old Irish sing song!Please look us up on facebook.
Reviewed By Daniela91London - london
This is a traditional Irish pub is found in the heart of Kells in Kilkenny not far from the ruins of the monastery that was once there. I have frequented the Priory Bar numerous times and it is the perfect place to go after visiting the ruins or taking a walk along the Kings river. The staff are all really friendly which creates a fantastic atmosphere and are very able to inform you about the history of the area. In the pub, I would particularly recommend the beer garden which is both sheltered and unsheltered and is a really great space especially for smokers. I would, however, advise checking the facebook page in advance to see if there will be any bands playing or events happening because there is always something going on and from my experience it has always been great fun!
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