Kells Local Heroes

Working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, live and invest in. c/o LMETB, Bective st. Kells, A82 A070 What’s it all about?

Kells Local Heroes was established in November 2011 in the midst of the economic recession with one objective, namely to re-invigorate life back in to the commercial and cosmetic look of the Town. Following a well-attended Town Hall meeting in the Headfort Arms Hotel, a catalogue of ideas were put forward by members of the public aimed at bringing about positive change. The first priority was the

look of the streetscape and after 66 derelict & unsightly properties were identified, a painting programme got underway to brighten up the Town's image with a major emphasis placed on creating a new colour scheme for Kenlis Place which links Farrell street and John st. The results transformed the look of Kells in the eyes of local and visitors. Other projects soon followed aimed at strengthening the sense of community in Kells. The Summer Street Parties in 2014, 2015 & 2016 proved to be a popular success as well as the annual Live Crib event at Christmas not to overlook our popular fund-raising annual winter quiz league. Subsequent conferences on developing a Town Plan, and developing the arts have also proved popular and continue to be a work in progress. Meanwhile the KLH bio-diversity Plan is being rolled out as is the ongoing work with Kay Deignan and the local Pride of Place team on the maintenance of the Parnell garden adjacent to the Catherine McAuley Centre. Our creative Director Mark Smith is leading the project to move the old Kells printing press to a new home at the Sawmills on Church Lane and has developed the unique 'Type Trail' event which is now very much part of the Summer programme of events in the Town. Elsewhere the Hinterland Literary and Guth Gafa International Film festivals have added immensely to the annual local social calendar attracting thousands to Kells each Summer while helping enormously to raise the profile of the Town. In 2016, Geraldine Walsh and Ann McEntee rolled out the colourful Summer flower-box programme on Farrell St. which will extend to surrounding streets in the coming years. In January 2015, Kells Local Heroes collaborated with 5th Meath Scouts, The Special Hands activity group, Kells Tennis Club and Councillor Sarah Reilly to raise funds for the re-construction of the outdated Playground at the Fair Green. Working with Meath County Council, this joint operation delivered one of the most advanced playgrounds in the Country which has proved to be hugely popular with Kells families. The Good Friday litter pick is now an annual event with participation growing each passing year. Plans are also being explored to create a new pathway linking Eureka College and Bective street as well as the development of the Kells Lloyd Walk amenity along the river Blackwater. The creation of a Town Team to ensure all community groups are represented by one Committee in all future engagement with Meath County Council and Government agencies is also evolving. The trojan effort put in by KLH since 2011 has paid off greatly with the awarding of a €50,000 grant by The Heritage Council in selecting the Town as a pilot project to improve and re-vamp the heritage look of John st and Castle street. Kells was selected ahead of 22 other 'walled' towns for this project which in itself is a reflection of the work, commitment and dedication put in by volunteers in transforming the Town in recent years. This work will be carried out with the assistance of Meath County Council which has assisted greatly in all our endeavours since KLH was created. The objective of KLH is to make Kells a better place to visit, work and invest in. Co-operation and commitment comes from the individual and everybody in the Town benefits from the outcome. Things can only happen through the participation of dedicated civic-minded local people who care for their town and have a vision for the end result. In time, Kells will be the envy of other towns and villages in Co. Meath but we need more volunteers and donations. Kells Local Heroes which is a not-for profit group is, by the community, of the community, for the community. If you wish to get involved, contact the office on 08-137-1508 or drop into 3 Church Street, Kells. Alternatively, write to us at: [email protected] or twitter: @kellslocalheroes

Become a local hero and take pride in your home town!

22/08/2026

Take note: Meath County Council has put on display at its office in Kells an amenity plan for the grounds at the Tower of Lloyd.

Local residents are invited to view the Plan and contribute/suggest ideas as appropriate.

Lots of great changes are coming to Kells in the coming years so get involved and have your say.

Kells Local Heroes. Working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

Non-Statutory Public Consultation: Commons of Lloyd Recreation and Amenity Plan | Meath County Council Online Consultation Portal Meath County Council has prepared a Draft Recreation and Amenity Plan for the Commons of Lloyd, Kells, County Meath. The purpose of this Draft Plan is to provide a blueprint for the future use of the Commons of Lloyd, protecting its heritage and environmental qualities whilst making it a more attrac...

06/08/2026

Well done to all involved in giving the old Hopkins building on Back st. (Kenlis Place) a cosmetic make-over.

KLH has worked tirelessly since 2012 on persuading property owners to give their respective properties the proverbial lick of paint.

Keep an eye out for major developments on Back st. over the next year or so.

Kells Local Heroes working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, live and invest in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

25/07/2026

A special thanks to our KLH volunteers, Kay Deignan Mark Smith and Angela Ryan who were out on the town earlier today Saturday giving the old Edmund Rice Centre a good clean-up.

A special mention for our new junior volunteers Danny and Maisie whose contribution made all the difference.

The eagerly awaited cup of tea and buns were greatly appreciated afterwards!

Kells Local Heroes. Working hard to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

07/07/2026

Out and about early this morning.

Well done to KLH volunteers Kay Deignan and Angela Ryan who were busy this morning tidying up and providing plenty of colour to the Parnell Garden in Kells.

Thanks ladies. You're a credit to the Town.

Kells Local Heroes. Working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

01/07/2026

Kells Local Heroes is currently creating a directory of local businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary groups, and other key services on our website (www.kellslocalheroes.ie).

So if you're new to Kells and you're looking for a painter, carpenter, electrician or other trade profession for a domestic job or personal service, this will be the site to go to.

Likewise, if you wish to join a club, organisation etc, the contact details you require will be on our site.

To add your free listing, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/QvnFbrgVFYra9THaA.

Listings are free for the first year.

For further details, telephone Will on 087-137-1508

Kells Local Heroes. Working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

Kells Local Heroes - Kells Local Heroes Kells Local Heroes (KLH) is a community-powered initiative working for the heritage town of Kells, Co. Meath.

28/06/2026

Congrats to Hinterland 2026 for yet another highly successful literary festival.

The event brought hundreds of book enthusiasts to Kells over the weekend, many for the first time ever.

Visitors got to meet famous writers from the worlds of TV, radio, newspapers and digital publishing.

The influx of people was a great boost for traders in the Town and highlighted what Kells has to offer.

Looking forward to 2027 already.

Kells Local Heroes, working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

23/06/2026

Making the most of the good weather as Hinterland 2026 approaches.

KLH volunteers were out in force this morning digging up weeds and improving the area around the LMETB building on Bective st.

Thanks to Kay Deignan, Angela Ryan and Will Ryan.

Kells Local Heroes working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

15/06/2026

If you're a fan or keen observer of art, check out an exhibition of new creations by Ross Dillon which will be on display at the old courthouse/tourism and cultural hub in Kells from June 22nd to July 31st next.

Thanks to all involved namely; Meath Co. Council and the Arts Council.

Kells Local Heroes, working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

12/06/2026

A special thanks to everyone who attended the launch of Kells Type Trail 2026 which is curated by our own Mark Smith.

The huge turnout reflected the popularity of this annual festival which celebrates type as an art form and continues the legacy of the creative work begun in the Town from which the World famous Book of Kells originated from.

The Type Trail continues until August 21st 2026.

Expect to see visitors from across the World arrive in town over the coming months to view the recently opened Kells Printing Works on Church Lane.

Kells Local Heroes, working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

11/06/2026

A special thanks to Kells Youthreach who turned out in force recently to help us tidy up the green areas around the old Court house.

Their co-operation is greatly appreciated-as always.

We can't overlook our dedicated volunteers and committee members Angela Ryan and Kay Deignan.

Kells Local Heroes working to make Kells a better place to visit, work, invest and live in.

www.kellslocalheroes.ie

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Location

Kells

Contact the business

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Telephone

0871371508

Website

http://www.kellslocalheroes.ie/

Address

C/o LMETB Office, Bective St.
Kells
A82 AO70

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 12pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm