Kells Walk-About Heritage Tours

What to Expect

Kells is a living town over a thousand years old, its ancient and medieval remains visible throughout the streets. Volunteer guides lead free walking tours that take in the medieval monastic enclosure, the ornate High Crosses, the 10th-century Round Tower, St Colmcille’s House (a rare stone-roofed oratory), and the Scriptural Market Cross. The town was the principal scriptorium where the Book of Kells is believed to have been created or completed. Tours are booked through the Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub.

Good to Know

• Tours run throughout the summer season; check with the Kells Courthouse Hub for schedules

• Free admission

• The newly restored Kells Printing Works (opened June 2026) on Market Street is also worth visiting for a heritage tour and demonstrations

• Hinterland Festival (25-28 June) adds additional heritage walks and events in Kells

Getting There

Kells is on the N3 Dublin to Cavan road, 65km from Dublin. Bus Eireann operates regular services. The Courthouse Hub is at Headfort Place, in the town centre.