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The Tower of Loyd

The Tower of Loyd is an impressive landmark. The area round the tower has been developed as a community park (The People's Park). There are good facilities for children to play, have picnics and generally run about.

On the outskirts of the town and clearly visible when approaching from the North stands the "Tower of Loyd ". The tower is roughly 100 feet high and has a lantern round the top, rather like a lighthouse. It was built in the late 18th century by the lst Earl of Bective in memory of his father Sir Thomas Taylor. Why such a thing exists is not so clear (inland lighthouse). There are those who say that the tower was built so that the Headfort family could sit in it and watch various country pursuits taking place. Others say it was built to provide employment at a time of economic hardship or is no more than a "folly".

The tower was used to view horse racing and the hunt in the nineteenth century.

The plaque reads: 'This pillar was designed by Henry Aaron Baker Esq. architect was executed by Mr. Joseph Beck stone cutter Mr. Owen Mc Cabe head mason Mr. Bartle Reilly overseer Anno 1791'.

St Kierans Well

The patron day at this well near Carnaross, Kells, is held on the first Sunday of August. Legend is that the well was formed at St Kieran's command. Several pools there have supposed healing powers. It is likely that the well was a place of worship in pagan times.