Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub | Discover Boyne Valley Meath, Ireland

Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub

  • Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub Headfort Rd Kells, Co. Meath A82 RY62 (located opposite the Market Cross as one enters Kells from the Navan or Slane road)

    Postal Address:

    Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub c/o Kells MD Offices Headfort Place Kells, Co. Meath

  • Region: Kells ,
  • +353 (0) 46 9247508
  • kellscourthouse@discoverboynevalley.ie

The Courthouse 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, Nelson’s Pillar, Townley Hall and the East Gate entrance to Slane Castle. 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.

    Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub Second Image

    Today it has a much more modern interior with  Interactive multimedia touch screens, with video engages to inspire visitors to the exhibition to explore Kells and the surrounding 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 all on view and Boyne Valley Tourism staff are on hand to give advice.

    Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub Third Image

    The exhibition is FREE to visit and fully accessible to wheelchair users. Drop in for free brochures, information and a friendly chat.

    Also in the Courthouse is the Toradh 2 visual art gallery, which is free to visit and hosts varying exhibitions throughout the year.

     

    Kells Courthouse Opening Hours

    • Mon- Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm (closed for lunch 1:30-2:00pm)
    • Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm (closed for lunch 1:30-2:00pm)

     

    Walking tours of Kells

    Historic Walking Tours of Kells

    Kells Walkabout Tours

     

    St. Colmcilles House

    St. Colmcilles House is also open for visitors, subject to availability (please contact the Courthouse beforehand to arrange a visit and give 24hrs notice)

    School Groups

    The Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub is happy to offer a visit to the Centre for both Primary and Secondary Schools.
    During the visit we give a talk on Christianity coming to Ireland and how St Colmcille founded the monastery in Kells. The Columban monks are responsible for the world famous Book of Kells and in the Centre we have a facsimile copy with touch screens displaying various pages from the book.
    The history of the town of Kells is brought up to modern day and how the town was developed focusing on the family of Lord Headfort.
    After the short talk the children are encouraged to look around the Centre before going on a walking tour to see all the historical sites. This  includes the grounds of St Colmcille’s Monastery  with it’s Round Tour and High Crosses. We  finish the tour with a visit to St Colmcille’s House which was once a scriptorium where the Book of Kells was completed.
    The tour takes approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
    If you wish to book a tour email kellscourthouse@discoverboynevalley.ie or phone 046-9247508.
    We look forward to your visit.
     

     

    Images
    Town
    Telephone
    +353 (0) 46 9247508
    Email Address
    kellscourthouse@discoverboynevalley.ie
    Address

    Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub Headfort Rd Kells, Co. Meath A82 RY62 (located opposite the Market Cross as one enters Kells from the Navan or Slane road)

    Postal Address:

    Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub c/o Kells MD Offices Headfort Place Kells, Co. Meath

    Latitude
    53.7264
    Longitude
    -6.87097
    Region
    GPS: 53.7264, -6.87097

    In this Area

    Loughcrew Estate
    Region: Kells

    Adventure Activities & Family Fun | Historic Gardens | Walking

    View

    Causey Farm
    Region: Kells

    Adventure Activities & Family Fun

    View

    Athboy Heritage Trail
    Region: Kells | Trim

    Walking

    View

    Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway
    Region: Kells | Navan

    Adventure Activities & Family Fun | Blueways & Greenways | Walking

    View

    Moynalty Steam Threshing Museum
    Region: Kells

    Cultural Tourism Attractions

    View

    Killua Castle
    Region: Kells

    Cultural Tourism Attractions

    View

    Rockfield House
    Region: Kells

    Adventure Activities & Family Fun

    View

    Fore Distillery
    Region: Kells

    Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

    View

    Toradh 2 Gallery
    Region: Kells

    Music, Arts & Irish Culture

    View