Monday, October 25, 2010

New Kells walking trails take in ecclesiastical sites


An historic new walking trail that was launched in Kells in County Meath includes a number of popular ecclesiastical sites in the town.  

The trail includes Saint John's Cemetery and the famous market cross near where the famous book of Kells was written.  

However, the highpoint of the trail is no doubt Saint Columba's Church and gardens in the town that at one time was the principal Columban Monastery in Ireland. 

Indeed at one time, Saint Columba's was a cathedral but following the Synod of Kells in 1152 the Diocese of Kells was absorbed into the current Diocese of Meath. 

The trail also includes St Colmcille's House, which probably dates from the 10th century. 

Speaking at the launch of the walking Tour this week, the chairperson of Kells Town Council Cllr Conor Ferguson claimed that Kells has always had a rich cultural and ecclesiastical history. 

"The walking trail sets out two walking routes that extend over 9km around the town and identifies 14 different historic sites in Kells.  All of these sites have orientation plaques providing information about each location.” 

Other areas included in the trail include the Fair Green, the Spire of Lyod and the Kells Round Tower.

SIC: CIN/IE