Kells Attractions

6mi/10km west of Thomastown, at Kells (not to be confused with the better known Kells in the north of the Republic), are the extensive remains of a fortified Augustinian priory (National Monument) founded in 1193. The surviving buildings date from the 14th and 15th C. The church, with nave, transepts, chancel and Lady Chapel, has a tower over the crossing and two other towers, one of which was probably the prior's lodging. On the south side of the church are remains of the conventual buildings, laid out around an inner court surrounded by a wall with two towers, to the south of which is a spacious outer court enclosed by a wall with five towers.