Pioneering work on Kells heritage

A unique tourism package, which is expected to play a major role in the promotion of Kells, has been developed by a local woman whose passion and enthusiasm for the north Meath town knows no bounds. Business and community leaders in Kells believe that 'The Book of Kells Experience', a package which is aimed at attracting tourists on a three or four day package to Kells and surrounding areas will prove a major boost to the ailing tourist industry in the area. Lucy O'Reilly from Martry is the driving force behind the project, but this woman who believes so fervently in Kells future as a tourist destination, is not actually a Kells or even a Meath native - she is in fact a native of Uganda. Lucy was born in the African country, but her family had to flee when she was very young, because her father was on Idi Amin's death list. "We were warned he was on the list and the whole family just got a train to Nairobi and a flight to Zambia," she recalls. Lucy went to school in England and worked in banking in England, before moving to Ireland 16 years ago. She was brought up as a Jehovah's Witness and it was through them that she came to Ireland, 16 years ago. "I came over as a 'pioneer' to convert people one summer and I loved Ireland so much, I decided to move here permanently," she said. She lived in Athlone for 11 years, but five years ago, after going through some tough times, she decided she wanted a completely fresh start. "I was working as a wedding planner and stayed in Headfort Demesne as part of that, decided I loved Kells and moved here," she said. She got married a year ago and her life has definitely taking a turn for the better. She joined Kells and District Chamber of Commerce and has been busy promoting tourism in the area and designed the Book of Kells Experience package, which involves itineraries for three and four day breaks in and around Kells. The package is being launched with the help of Failte Ireland later this month. It is aimed at self drive tourists and included in the itinerary are visits to the monastic sites in Kells, Loughcrew, Causey Farm, Teltown and the Victorian Waterworks in Kells, along with stops at the Vanilla Pod Restaurant, the Loughcrew Coffee Shop, Clonabreany House, The Railway Bar and other local restaurants, coffee shops and accommodation providers. An optional fourth day would involve a visit to the Hill of Tara, a game of golf at Headfort Golf Club or some fishing. The package is aimed at people driving themselves, but the brochures and website also give contacts for local bus and minibus operators who would accommodate visitors availing of the package. Her interest in Irish history and folklore led her to this role of tourism promotion within the chamber. "When I was growing up in England, I read a lot of the old stories about the Hill or Tara and Cuchulainn and was fascinated by them. When I came to Kells and saw all it had to offer, I just had to get involved," she said. Through her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Lucy was also involved in the very successful Kells Market Day during the Heritage Festival earlier this summer. In a major coup for Kells, she brought the Heritage Festival and 'Market Day' to Killeen Castle for the recent Ladies Irish Open, where thousands of visitors saw John Grant and the Kells Musical and Dramatic Society perform a pageant based on St Colmcille and his connection with Kells. She is currently busy preparing for the launch of the book of Kells experience later this month and firmly believes that Kells has the potential to be one of Ireland's premier tourism destinations.