Kells Courthouse – Tourism and Cultural Hub

Kells Courthouse in County Meath was built in 1801 on the commission of Lord Headfort. It was designed by the prominent Irish architect Francis Johnston, who also designed the General Post Office. When first built the downstairs was used as a courthouse and upstairs for entertaining local residents. In more recent years it was a local library.Today, Kells Courthouse has a very impressive interior with interactive multimedia screens and insightful audiovisual displays. Visitors will see an exhibition on Kells and the Boyne Valley. A facsimile copy of the ‘Book of Kells’, a replica of the Kells Crozier (an elaborately decorated staff that was a symbol of the office of a bishop or abbot), and the Kells town model are both on display.There are many historical points of interest worth visiting when in Kells including the High Crosses, Kells Round Tower, Market Square, St Columba’s Church, St Colmcille’s House, the Spire of Lloyd, St Ciaran’s Well and Market Cross. Relive the story of the Book of Kells, follow the footsteps of the monks and St Colmcille on his voyage and explore Kells ancient monastic history.