Kells Abbey

Kells Abbey is an Irish monastery, now in ruins, famous for being one of the places where the famous Book of Kells was created, a manuscript considered a masterpiece of calligraphy and illumination… A visit to the abbey is still possible and well worth the detour!

History of Kells Abbey

A monastery founded by Saint Colomba

Kells Abbey was founded in 554 by Saint Columba, an Irish evangelist who later became one of the patron saints of the Irish. It wasn’t until the 9th century that the building was razed to the ground and then rebuilt by Columban monks fleeing Iona, a small Scottish island then tormented by Viking plunder. The tomb of Saint Columba (who had previously been buried in Iona) was transferred there, along with the Book of Kells, which, according to historians, was begun in Iona and completed at Kells Abbey.

However, the 10th century was a difficult period for the abbey: it suffered numerous Viking assaults and plunders, but managed to hold on to the Book of Kells. But the latter was finally stolen in 1006, then returned 2 months later: only the covers had obviously been ripped off.

The book remained in the abbey until the end of the Middle Ages, when the monastery was dissolved and the abbey was transformed into a parish church. The Book of Kells remained in the building until 1650, when Cromwell seized the book and took it to Dublin for storage at Trinity College, where it is still on display today.

As for the Abbey, it has not withstood the rigors of time and history: today it’s a ruined site, much sought-after by history buffs…

Visit Kells Abbey

A ruined site steeped in history

The Book of Kells – Gerhard Huber – cc

Let’s face it: there’s almost nothing left of Kells Abbey today. Only a few walls and other remnants remain, and it’s sometimes difficult to clearly identify the former layout.

Nonetheless, the site’s location makes for a pleasant stroll: set on a small hill, it allows you to enjoy the surrounding Meath landscape, while immersing yourself in ruins steeped in history… Sheep graze here and there around the old buildings, giving the site an inimitable charm!