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Kells is a delightful small town with one of the very best collections of the sculpture and buildings of the early Christians.

Kells is most famous for its 8th century Book of Kells, which is one of the most beautiful books in the world. A manuscript of the Four Gospels, it was completed in Kells in the monastic site and sent to Trinity College for safekeeping in the 17th century, where it still remains.
The highlights of ancient Kells are clustered in the monastic site, with its round tower and four Celtic crosses in the churchyard.
Across the road is one of the oldest monastic buildings in Ireland, known at St. Colmcille's House. A fifth cross stood close by on a traffic island, but it was removed for safety down the hill to the Heritage Centre, located in the beautifully restored old courthouse, designed by the famous Francis Johnston in 1801.
The Spire of Loyd nearby, which looks like a lighthouse, is worth a visit and gives a wonderful view of the country round about.