The ruins of Kells Priory that we see today are from the 12th century. However, it is believed that a Columban monastery was established on this site in 554 just prior to the monastery on Iona. The town of Kells has two high crosses from the 6th century and a tall round tower used in defense against the Danish raiders. When the Abbey of Iona was destroyed by the Danes, the Abbot moved his principle residence to Kells. An Augustinian priory was founded in 1193 and those are the earliest ruins seen today. Some parts of the priory were added later in the 1500's. The town of Kells and the priory were destroyed in battle in 1252. It was rebuilt but later raided by Robert the Bruce (Scotsman) in 1326, and again in 1327 by William de Bermingham. |
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The barony is forfeited to the English when Baron Eustace is captured for rebellion in 1346. Lord Walter de Bermingham becomes the new baron. After the dissolution in 1540, the land is portioned out to the loyalists and Lord Butler, 9th Earl of Ormonde, gets the barony. Oliver Cromwell confiscated most of the land between 1650 and 1653. |