Ireland · Archaeology

3-Day Kells Heritage Tour with Tara, Loughcrew and Causey Farm

3 Days Round trip from R163 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the monastic site of Kells, where the Book of Kells is reputed to have been written
02 Take in far-reaching views from the Spire of Lloyd across the surrounding five counties
03 Walk among the Neolithic cairns of Loughcrew Hills, including the 'Hags Chair'
04 Experience traditional rural life at Causey Farm with turf cutting, cow milking, and brown bread baking
05 Visit the Hill of Tara and Tailteann, two of Ireland's most important sacred and historic sites

Discover the heritage of Kells over three days as you explore monastic sites, High Crosses, the Spire of Lloyd, Loughcrew Hills, Clonabreany Cemetery, and Tailteann House. This tour brings together some of Ireland's most significant religious, archaeological, and cultural landmarks, along with local food, music, storytelling, and traditional rural experiences. From the reputed home of the Book of Kells to ancient ritual landscapes and Neolithic cairns, it offers a rich introduction to the real heritage of Ireland.

The Round Tower and High Crosses stand adjacent to St Colmcille's House, where the magnificently illuminated Book of Kells is reputed to have been written.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Kells

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kells Monastic Heritage and the Spire of Lloyd

Meet your tour guide after breakfast at your accommodation.
Visit the Monastic Site, founded by St Colmcille. The Round Tower and High Crosses stand adjacent to St Colmcille's House, where the magnificently illuminated Book of Kells is reputed to have been written.
After lunch, visit the Spire of Lloyd, a folly resembling a lighthouse built in 1791. On a clear day, the view stretches across the surrounding five counties.
Visit the High Crosses near the village of Carnaross and test the curative power of the water from St Ciaran's Well.
Dinner is followed by evening music and storytelling.

Day 02

Loughcrew Hills and Traditional Farm Life

This morning, you will be guided up to Loughcrew Hills, a group of about 30 Neolithic chambered cairns. One includes the 'Hags Chair', a large stone bearing a cross carving - take a seat and make a wish.
Enjoy a light lunch at the lovely Loughcrew Coffee House.
Get in touch with your inner culchie with an afternoon at Causey Farm. Cut turf, milk a cow, bake brown bread, enjoy bodhrán playing, and much more besides.
A well-deserved dinner at a restaurant in the area is followed by in-house entertainment.

Day 03

Hill of Tara, Clonabreany, and Tailteann

Visit the Hill of Tara, the former seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
Mid-morning brings a visit to Clonabreany Cemetery and Holy Well.
Stop for a light lunch at the newly restored Clonabreany House.
In the afternoon, visit Tailteann House and take a walk around the surrounding area, home of the Tailteann Games - Ireland's pre-Olympic Games and possibly the most important of its sacred ritual sites.
Enjoy afternoon tea at Tailteann House.
From here, you can continue on to your next destination in Ireland, hopefully with fond memories of your sojourn in Kells.