Historic Trails

The Kells Printing Works has been carefully restored following a multi-year effort involving community groups, artists, craftspeople and Meath County Council.

Kilskyre, situated within sight of Loughcrew and close to the monastic town of Kells, has a rich heritage. This includes several passage tomb cemeteries, three important early Christian monastic sites, its Norman castles, Mass rocks and Great houses. It is the birthplace of poets and saints, and leaders of Church and State. Today, its vibrant community spirit is evident from the multiplicity of sporting, cultural, historical and charitable organisations in the parish.

See below for some historical facts and figures that have been or are located in Kilskyre: 

Journey Through Time: Discovering the Rich Heritage of Batterstown and Kilcloon

Batterstown Kilcloon Heritage Keepers

Over 800 years, Drogheda has been the stage for many of the events that have shaped Ireland’s destiny.

At one time, it could have been regarded as Ireland’s capital city; centuries later, it was port of departure for thousands of desperate famine victims. And in 1649, it became synonymous with one of the blackest chapters in Ireland’s history when Oliver Cromwell unleashed a degree of ruthlessness that still stirs emotions.

The town of Athboy began sometime during the sixth century A.D. as a settlement at the river crossing known as the Yellow Ford. Long before this however, the inhabitants of Athboy were Druids, who had settlements at the nearby Hill of Ward. The Hill of Ward, also known as Tlachtga, is the site where the feast of Samhain was celebrated. Samhain is credited with being the forerunner of Halloween.

A place made famous by the monastic school of St Finian in the 6th century, a seat of learning and place from where many well known saints travelled to Britain and Europe.

A team of Drogheda locals came together to map four walks which highlight the natural beauty, built heritage and historical wealth of our town. The walks range in length from the 1.5km ‘Five Bridges’ walk, to the 6.5km ‘Steps’ walk.  The 4km historical ‘Walls’ walk and pretty ‘Spires and Towers’ walks traverse both sides of the river and reveal great views.

The walks are aimed at locals as much as visitors to enjoy, and you can share your photos on #droghedawalks

In the ninth century, Kells was known as ‘Áinius Érenn’ or ‘The splendour of Ireland’.

The town will be forever associated with the illuminated gospels that originated here over 1200 years ago. Even then, Kells was a renowned centre of learning and enlightenment thanks to the influence of St Colmcille who founded a monastic settlement here in the sixth century.

Volunteers will take you on a free walking tour of their town. From the early medieval monastic site to the Georgian quarter, our volunteers will share with you the local stories and hidden gems of Kells, Co. Meath. Book your tour at Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub.