Kells Priory
Kells Priory is a sprawling late 12th century monastic site under the care of the OPW in County Kilkenny. Access is free and the site is open year round to visitors.
It's possible to visit Kells Priory and a grouping of early Christian sites which includes many High Crosses of the "Ossory Group" in a short journey of about 40 Kms in total (one way).
The sites which include the "Ossory" High Crosses are also free of charge to visit and include Kilree, Killamery, Ahenny and Kilkieran.
A journey which included visiting all sites and sightseeing can be done in a day and would include Kells Priory itself, a Round Tower and High Cross at Kilree, 6 further High Crosses, a Standing stone, Holed stones, Bullaun stones, Holy Wells, and a staggering variety of early relics and beautiful countryside, all within a "Stones throw" of each other.
This post in about the first stop, Kells Priory. I'll include a screenshot of a possible route and the locations and their coordinates and later I'll add some posts to cover the other sites and update links to them as well.
The Augustinian Priory at Kells was founded by an Anglo Norman Knight in 1193, Geoffrey FitzRobert
(de Monte Morisco).
It is an extensive and well fortified settlement with foreboding walls and towers and a protected gateway through which you enter the inner enclosure.
(de Monte Morisco).
It is an extensive and well fortified settlement with foreboding walls and towers and a protected gateway through which you enter the inner enclosure.
The enclosure with its surrounding walls and towers looks more like a large Castle bawn wall. I can only presume that the Norman's were under pressure in the area when the Priory was established because of the heavy fortifications throughout the site.
It was attacked several times throughout its history including one attack by Edward (de) Bruce, brother of Scottish Independance hero, Robert.
Edward was defeated, decapitated, dismembered and buried at Faughart Hill, Louth. He had at one stage declared himself High King of Ireland, a position that ultimately he didn't hold for long.
The church ruins and the many ecclesiastical buildings on the site are a real pleasure to wander around.
The Priory was "dissolved" in 1540 during the "Dissolution of the Monasteries"
under Henry (Tudor) VIII during the Reformation.
The Priory was "dissolved" in 1540 during the "Dissolution of the Monasteries"
under Henry (Tudor) VIII during the Reformation.
The dissolutions provided Henry with enormous wealth as the monasteries and their lands, property and valuables were confiscated and he could use the money from the sale of the former monastic lands and valuables to fund his wars and loyal nobles.
A huge repository of historic documents and manuscripts were probably destroyed forever however one legacy of the Reformation has been the wonderful ruins at Kells Priory and the saying that " a Country without ruins is a Country without history".
There is also an association with the attempt at trial for heresy of Alice Kytler in 1324 at Kilkenny.
Alice was well connected and fled the country, while in typical fashion her unfortunate Maidservant was instead tried and burnt as a witch in her place.
The Bishop who oversaw the matter, one Richard de Ledrede visited here as he travelled to oversee the investigations into Witchery at Kilkenny.
It is reputedly the first instance of a person burned for Witchcraft in Ireland.
Kilkenny Hurlers take note.....
Kilkenny Hurlers take note.....
Map screenshot and the coordinates for the various locations are listed
at the bottom of this page and I'll post information on the other sites
at a later date.
I can only add that there are few better ways to spend a day and take in so much while not an entrance Fee in sight !
Coordinates :
Kells Priory : 52°32'11.7"N 7°16'05.8"W
52.536587
- 7.268270
Kilree Round Tower and High Cross : 52°31'05.1"N 7°16'03.6"W
Killamery High Cross : 52°28'34.8"N 7°26'39.4"W
Ahenny High Crosses : 52°24'46.2"N 7°23'39.7"W
52.412825 - 7.394346
Kilkieran High Crosses : 52°23'54.6"N 7°22'47.0"W
52.398503 - 7.379707
*** The sites listed as "High Cross" also contain many other relics and items of historical interest.
A large area of Laois, Kilkenny and Tipperary were originally part of an area known as the
Kingdom of Ossory.
A large area of Laois, Kilkenny and Tipperary were originally part of an area known as the
Kingdom of Ossory.
Ger Dooley goes into greater detail on Ossory at the link below.
Ger Dooley - The Kingdoms of Ossory