Conservation of Kells Mural Tower progressing

Phase one of the conservation of the Kells Mural Tower is almost complete. With funding from the Meath County Council and the Heritage Council under their Conservation/Capital grants scheme, Greg Smith Conservation began the restoration of this 12th/13th century Mural Tower in September.

Shed demolition, reinstated coping and flaunching, repointing and plinth and arch base rebuild are among the works which will be completed in order to conserve this monument.

A month after works had begun in October, the team had removed the extension vegetation growth on top of the structure revealing some historic features such as the original beam pockets that were safely maintained throughout the works.

In December, the conservation team shared another update on the construction. They have taken an approach at repointing the exterior of the structure. They stated: "There was a good amount of original mortar still intact." They have also patch pointed throughout the tower with traditional lime mortar and gave the exterior a light pressure wash revealing the original stone which features a mixture of browns, blues and greys.

Locals are delighted to see this hidden gem getting a bit of conservation-focused attention. When the project was first announced, Kells Cllr Sean Drew said: "It’s great to see Meath County Council and the Heritage Council allocating funding and resources to conserve the Mural Tower while also improving access to it and its setting."