Ceannanus Mór

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CEANNANUS MÓR (KELLS)

County : Meath

Official blazon

Argent a cross of eight roundels sanguine, one, three, three and one, each charged with a bezant, within a bordure or masoned sable, with the Motto: Aineas Eireann

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on May 10, 1978.

Kells is world famous for the Book of Kells, a 680 page illuminated manuscript now in the library of Trinity College, Dublin. The cross in the arms is derived from the Carpet Page (Folio 33r) of the Book.

The bordure of masonry shows that Kells became an important walled town. The use of sanguine in the arms is unique in Irish civic arms.

The motto – which translates as “The Pleasure of Ireland” – also refers to the Book of Kells.'