Kells Printing Works
About
The newest thing in Kells and one of the most rewarding. Meath County Council opened the Printing Works on 2 June 2026 in the old sawmill building on Church Lane, a short walk from the round tower, to house the cast-iron presses and type of the Finnegan family's printing business, which Fr Seán Finnegan gave to the people of Kells. The council restored the presses to working order, and the building is run as a workshop and education space as well as a place to visit. The way in for a visitor is the guided tour: an hour on the whole letterpress process, starting in the courtyard. In November and December 2026 the tours run on Friday mornings at 10am and must be booked online; the booking page gives the price as €8 for adults, children free, and says the tour is not suitable for children under five.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Historic cast-iron printing presses restored to working order
- ✓The Finnegan family's printing collection, given to the town
- ✓A guided walk through hand typesetting and printing
- ✓On Church Lane, beside St Colmcille's House
Tips
- →Online booking is essential. Turn up ten minutes before the start, in the courtyard.
- →Parking on Church Lane is paid and restricted, so walk up from the centre.
- →The November and December 2026 tours are on Fridays at 10am until 18 December. Check the Discover Boyne Valley what's on page for the next programme.
