The Spire of Lloyd in Kells, Ireland is an 18th-century folly in the form of a Doric column, surmounted by a glazed lantern. Sometimes described as "Ireland's only inland lighthouse", it was designed by architect Henry Aaron Baker. It was reputedly commissioned by

Thomas Taylour, 1st Earl of Bective Thomas Taylour, 1st Earl of Bective, KP, PC (Ire) (20 October 1724 – 14 February 1795) was an Irish peer and politician. Early life He was the oldest son of the former Sarah Graham and Sir Thomas Taylor, 2nd Baronet, a Member of the Parliam ...

as a memorial to his father. The tower is located on the Hill of Lloyd, making this 40 kilometres from the coast and is around 30 m (100 ft) high. From the top there are views of the surrounding countryside as far as the Mourne Mountains in County Down,

Northern Ireland Northern Ireland ( ga, Tuaisceart Éireann ; sco, label= Ulster-Scots, Norlin Airlann) is a part of the United Kingdom, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, that is variously described as a country, province or region. Nort ...

on a clear day. The tower was used to view horse racing and the hunt in the nineteenth century. A plaque on the tower 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.'' The area around the tower has been developed as a community park, and includes a paupers' grave, where Mass is still celebrated annually in memory of the Great Famine.

References

External links

* * {{Osmway, 279632856 Religion in County Meath Tourist attractions in County Meath Buildings and structures in County Meath