Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub and the Market Cross
About
The Courthouse on Headfort Place was designed by Francis Johnston, the architect of the GPO, and built in 1801 for Lord Headfort; downstairs was the court and upstairs a room for entertaining. It was the town library for years and is now the tourist office and a small free exhibition: a facsimile of the Book of Kells, a replica of the Kells Crozier, a model of the town and touch screens on the monastery and the Headfort family. The Toradh 2 gallery, run by Meath County Council's arts office, shows changing exhibitions in the same building. This is also where you arrange St Colmcille's House and book the free volunteer walking tours. Outside, under a glass canopy, is the Market Cross, a ninth-century high cross that stood at the crossroads on Cross Street for centuries and was moved here to protect it. The base carries a 1688 inscription, and local tradition says it was used as a gallows after the 1798 rising.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓A facsimile of the Book of Kells and a replica of the Kells Crozier
- ✓The Market Cross, with its 1688 inscription on the base
- ✓Toradh 2, Meath County Council's gallery
- ✓Where to arrange St Colmcille's House and the walking tours
Tips
- →Closed on Sundays. Closed for lunch from 1.30 to 2pm.
- →The exhibition is free and the building is fully accessible to wheelchair users, according to the hub.
- →This is a facsimile. The original Book of Kells is in Trinity College Dublin.