Best attractions and places to see around The Municipal District of Kells, located in County Meath, Ireland, offer a diverse range of experiences. This region is a cornerstone of Ireland's Ancient East, rich in religious and royal history. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks, significant cultural sites, and unique natural features. The area provides opportunities to engage with Ireland's past and scenic landscapes.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Jamestown Bog is a wild national heritage area with a gravelly track around the edge, it makes a nice walk or ride. Popular with dogs so be careful but they are supposed to stay on the lead. There is picnic area and normally a coffee van near the entrance.
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The round tower is 26 metres high and stands on the ground of a 9th century monastery. As round towers go, Kell's is a cracker!
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The high cross and the round tower are always worth a visit.
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A lot of this route takes you on raised panels that allow access directly through the bogland. This bogland is an area of considerable conservation significance and one of the only remaining bogs in County Meath. You can learn about the diversity of wildlife along the way using the informative signs that describe the different animals and birds you might find here. Sturdy shoes are recommended, especially after rain when the path could get slippery.
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Loughcrew Cairns (also known as Loughcrew Passage Tombs, Megalithic Cementary or Sliabh na Callaighe (Mountain of the Witch) is a truly magical place. According to the website "Sliabh na Callaighe is the Irish name for the hills and it translates to “Mountain of the Witch”. The story goes that to rule over all of Ireland the Hag (or witch) had to complete a feat of enormous strength. She had to leap from hill to hill with stones in her apron. As she jumped from peak to peak she dropped a handful of stones. These stones became the cairns. On her final jump, to make her mistress over all of Ireland, she broke her neck and was buried under the stones on the side of the hill." Definitely worth visiting, you can read more here - https://www.loughcrewmegalithiccentre.com/loughcrew-cairns/
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So much history in this corner of the world. Steeped in Irish mythology these hills are a pilgrimage for many and a wonderful place to ride a bike.
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The round tower is 26 metres high and stands on the ground of a 9th century monastery. As round towers go, Kell's is a cracker!
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Cycle up witchitty Hill, I've read it goes to 26%gradient I've definitely looked down to see 22%. either way it's mercifully short but pretty damn steep,
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The region is rich in history. You can visit the significant early medieval monastic site of Kells Round Tower, High Crosses and St. Columba's Church, featuring a 26-meter high round tower and intricately carved Celtic crosses. Also, explore Loughcrew Cairns, one of Ireland's main passage tomb sites spread across several hilltops, steeped in Irish mythology. Don't miss St. Colmcille's House, believed to have housed the Book of Kells, and the 9th-century Market Cross in Kells town.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Girley Bog Boardwalk offers an accessible looped path through a unique bogland, with informative signs about wildlife. Jamestown Bog also provides a pleasant gravel track for walks, often with a coffee van and picnic area. The historical Kells Monastic Site is also family-friendly, allowing children to explore ancient structures.
The Municipal District of Kells offers unique natural landscapes. The Girley Bog Boardwalk provides a serene escape into one of County Meath's remaining bogs, with a looped boardwalk for easy access. Jamestown Bog is another significant conservation area with a gravel track for walking. For panoramic views, visit The Spire of Lloyd, Ireland's only inland lighthouse, located on the Hill of Lloyd.
You can enjoy various walks and trails. The Girley Bog Boardwalk offers an easy, looped walk through a unique bogland. The Kells Heritage Trail is a walking tour that guides visitors through the town's historic landmarks. For more challenging routes, the area around Loughcrew Cairns involves walking across hilltops to explore ancient passage tombs. For more detailed running trails, you can explore the Running Trails around The Municipal District of Kells guide.
Yes, Jamestown Bog is a dog-friendly natural area with a gravel track. While dogs are welcome, they are generally expected to be kept on a lead. Always check specific site regulations before visiting with your pet.
The Spire of Lloyd is a unique 30-meter high 18th-century lighthouse folly, notable as Ireland's only inland lighthouse. Located on the Hill of Lloyd, it provides panoramic views across County Meath. It's surrounded by the People's Park, which also includes a Paupers' Grave, offering a blend of historical curiosity and scenic beauty.
Originally designed in 1801, the Kells Courthouse now functions as a heritage center. It offers exhibitions about Kells and the wider Boyne Valley, providing insights into the region's rich history. Visitors can view a facsimile of the famous Book of Kells, a replica of the Kells Crozier, and a detailed town model.
Yes, the Municipal District of Kells offers various cycling routes. You can find options for both mountain biking and road cycling. For example, there are road cycling routes like the 'Kells to Virginia Town loop – Loughcrew Cairns' which passes by historical sites. For more information on routes and their difficulty, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around The Municipal District of Kells guide or the MTB Trails around The Municipal District of Kells guide.
The Girley Bog Boardwalk is a significant conservation area. Much of the route is on raised panels, allowing access directly through the bogland. Informative signs along the way describe the diverse wildlife you might encounter. Sturdy shoes are recommended, especially after rain, as paths can be slippery.
St. Colmcille's House is a small stone oratory with significant historical importance. It is believed to have been one of the places where the famous Book of Kells was housed during its time in Kells. It stands as a remarkable example of early Irish architecture and a testament to the region's monastic heritage.
The Municipal District of Kells offers attractions year-round. For outdoor activities like exploring the bogs or the Kells Heritage Trail, spring and summer provide milder weather. Historical sites like the Kells Monastic Site and Loughcrew Cairns can be visited in most seasons, though some parts of Loughcrew Cairns might have restricted access during winter months. Always check specific opening hours for indoor attractions.
Parking in Kells town is generally available in designated car parks. For attractions like the Kells Monastic Site, the Kells Courthouse, and the Market Cross, you can usually find parking within walking distance in the town center. Specific parking details for individual sites may vary, so it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.


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