Meath County Council welcomes the launch this Friday, 13 November 2026 of the new Kells Visitor Placemaking Plan, a strategic roadmap that sets out an ambitious vision for enhancing Kells as one of Ireland’s leading heritage and cultural destinations. Pictured above, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Sarah Reilly speaking at the event.
The plan, officially launched by An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Sarah Reilly and the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke, TD, at the Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub was commissioned by Fáilte Ireland and developed by The Paul Hogarth Company in partnership with Meath County Council and a wide range of local stakeholders.
The new Visitor Placemaking Plan positions Kells as a destination centered on the compelling proposition: “Kells: One Big Story with Many Parts”, building on the town’s exceptional heritage, creativity, community spirit and unique association with the Book of Kells.
The plan recognises Kells’ remarkable assets, including its early Christian heritage, the monastic site, St. Colmcille’s legacy, the iconic Spire of Lloyd, Kells Courthouse Tourism & Cultural Hub, Kells Printing Works, and internationally recognised festivals such as Hinterland and Samhain Festival of Food & Culture.
The Visitor Placemaking Plan outlines a series of priority projects, including the coordination of Kells’ principal visitor attractions, development of a distinctive Kells Print and Creative Trail, enhanced interpretation of the town’s monastic heritage, improved access to the Spire of Lloyd, investment in the visitor experience at Kells Printing Works, and stronger marketing and digital promotion of the town.
Prepared within the wider context of the Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy and Ireland’s Ancient East, the plan seeks to create a more coordinated and immersive visitor experience rooted in Kells’ distinctive identity.
An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Sarah Reilly said: “Kells has an extraordinary depth of history and heritage, but what makes the town particularly special is the way that heritage continues to inspire its creativity, culture and community today. This study sets out a clear opportunity to bring those different elements together, better connect our attractions and experiences, and tell the wider story of Kells. The ambition is to encourage more people to visit, explore the town and stay longer, while bringing real benefits to local businesses and the wider community.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke, said: “This plan reflects a shared vision and commitment across tourism stakeholders in the area to further develop the many unique and interesting visitor experiences that Kells has to offer. More importantly, it clearly sets out the practical steps that will bring that vision from paper to reality. This collaboration across local government and tourism enterprises, with support from Fáilte Ireland, is a great example of how stakeholders can work together to deliver tangible results for their local community.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, TD, said: “This study provides a clear direction – the next stage will be about developing the proposals, examining feasibility and identifying funding opportunities. Continued partnership between Fáilte Ireland, Meath County Council and the local community will be essential. Kells already has the heritage, creativity and, most importantly, the people to make this a success.”
L to R – Mark Mohan, Fáilte Ireland, Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe, Minister Peter Burke, Minister Helen McEntee, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Sarah Reilly
Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland said: “The Kells Visitor Placemaking Plan is a key initiative under Fáilte Ireland’s Ancient Destination and Experience Development Plan and sets out a clear vision for the future development of Kells as a visitor destination. Built around the proposition ‘Kells: One Big Story with Many Parts’, it identifies practical projects that will help bring the town’s story to life in a more engaging and connected way for visitors.
“Developed in partnership with Meath County Council and local stakeholders, the plan provides a framework to guide future destination development and further strengthen Kells’ position within Ireland’s Ancient East.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: “The Kells Visitor Placemaking Plan provides a strong framework for how we can work together to enhance the visitor experience and realise the full potential of the town’s unique heritage and cultural assets. Meath County Council looks forward to working with Fáilte Ireland, the local community and all of our partners to translate this shared vision into projects that will benefit Kells, its residents and its local economy for many years to come.”
The Cathoairleach Cllr Sarah Reilly pictured with politicians, paricipants and attendees outside of the Courthouse in Kells
The development of the plan involved extensive engagement with elected members, local businesses, community representatives, heritage organisations and other key stakeholders. A central finding of the consultation process was the pride local people have in their town and their commitment to shaping its future as a welcoming and vibrant destination.
The plan will now serve as a framework for future project development, funding applications and partnership initiatives aimed at delivering a cohesive and memorable visitor experience for Kells, while supporting local economic growth and enhancing quality of life for residents.
