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All Ireland Spire of Lloyd
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Spire of Lloyd

“Ireland’s only inland lighthouse” is not actually a lighthouse at all.

Kells, Ireland

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The Spire of Lloyd, Kells, County Meath.   bruceincharlotte / Atlas Obscura User
The Spire of Lloyd, Kells, County Meath.   bruceincharlotte / Atlas Obscura User
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You may be wondering, “What is a lighthouse doing 25 miles from the nearest coast?” Despite its appearances, this is not a lighthouse. Rather, it’s a spire, originally designed to take in views of horse racing and the nearby hunt.

It was designed in the late-18th century by prominent Irish architect Henry Aaron Baker for Thomas Taylour, the First Earl of Bective. It stands about 100 feet tall and has a lantern on top.

Nearby, there is a playground and a pauper’s grave.

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Know Before You Go

There is a small parking lot next to the playground with some picnic tables.

It is a short detour off the N52 “shortcut” if you’re trying to avoid driving through Dublin to the west.

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Published

April 14, 2025

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