Spire of Lloyd, Faux lighthouse on Commons of Lloyd hill in Kells, Ireland.
The Spire of Lloyd is a tower-like structure on a hill near Kells that resembles a lighthouse but was never designed to serve that purpose. It features a spiral staircase leading to an observation platform where visitors can see across to distant mountains and valleys.
The tower was commissioned in 1791 by the First Earl of Bective as a memorial to his father. The hilltop itself sits on the remains of an ancient settlement from the Iron Age, indicated by earthwork features discovered through archaeological investigation.
The hill holds archaeological remains of an Iron Age ring fort, with geophysical scans revealing concentric ditches indicating an ancient settlement.
Access to the observation platform involves climbing a long spiral staircase that requires physical effort and may be challenging for some visitors. The platform sits at the top and is open to the elements, so dress appropriately for wind and weather when planning your visit.
While designed as a memorial with classical architecture, the lantern area now houses telecommunications equipment rather than traditional lighthouse elements. This modern adaptation shows how older structures can be repurposed to serve contemporary needs.
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