The monastery in Kells was the location of the compilation, in the ninth and early tenth centuries, of the famous Book of Kells. This book was the magnificently illustrated manuscripts of the four Gospels, written in Latin by the monks of Kells. The pages were made of calves hide and it's cover was made from gold and precious jewels. But some Irish clan stole the book one day after seeing it for the first time. When it was found a couple of months later, it was missing its cover, which has never been found since.
If this book were still intact it would be priceless; having said that it is viewed as one of the treasures of the world today. The Book of Kells is in the library of Trinity College in Dublin, under a glass case to protect it. Each day they turn a page. The survival of this Gospel Book is quite miraculous. If I have the opportunity one day, I would love to see it.
In St Columba's Church of Ireland, we saw a replica of the original and also copies of four of the pages, which have been enlarged four times. The intricate work is amazing and to consider that the original work was much finer makes the appreciation greater. To say I was intrigued is an understatement.
Around the old church is a graveyard filled with old tombs. Among the tombs stands three Ancient Celtic Crosses, a Round Tower and a Square Tower.
The Round Tower
is approximately ninety feet high. When raiders came to attack the monastery, the monks would retreat to the tower, taking their treasures, including works of incredible art and their ladder with them, for safe keeping. Standing looking at this tower reminded us of Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and is safe". In the time of trouble, is the Lord your strong tower?
There were five crosses but only four remain, in varying degrees of preservation.
The South Cross stands near the Round Tower and is the earliest. The ornament carving on this cross can be compared with the Book of Kells.
The West Cross
was carved mid ninth century. 
It has suffered significant damage at the hands of Oliver Cromwell.
These crosses formed the boundary of the Monastery. Any fugitive who came within this boundary could claim sanctuary from the monks.
The Market Cross, the fifth one, stands in front of the Court House, and was moved there to protect it from further decay. It's previous location was between two roads in the town square and the threat of damage increased every time a car drove past. A perspex cover stands over it now, slightly spoiling the appearance. I guess the need to preserve these crosses is paramount.
It once stood in Cross Street and was known as the 'Cross of the Gate' of the monastery. It was like a treasure hunt as we searched for these crosses. The workmanship in them is amazing and shows the incredible skills these men of old possessed. And it's equally amazing that they are still in existence today, considering how long ago they were made.
Around the corner from the church stands Colmcille's House.
It dates back to early ninth century and may have been used as an Oratory. There was a tunnel from this house to the monastery.
.
It just sits among a row of houses.
It just sits among a row of houses.
The Square Tower serves as a bell-tower
In 2014 the 1200 anniversary of the completion of the Monastic City of Kells was celebrated. Now that's what I call history.
Once we had finished our treasure hunt we found a pleasant pub to enjoy afternoon tea.
The chairs were very comfortable
and the food yummy!
and the food yummy! And to complete our day we found another treasure !!
The same week England voted to leave the EU, England suffered a shock loss at the hands of Iceland, and exited the European Soccer Championships for 2016 - the Irish found this very amusing..
And one last important point - The sun is shining today!
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