Kells Priory

Lonely Planet review

Kells Priory is one of Ireland's most impressive and romantic monastic sites. Visitors are free to explore whenever they like, with no restrictions. The earliest remains date from the late 12th century, while the bulk of the present ruins date from the 15th century. Inside are the remains of an Augustinian abbey and the foundations of chapels and houses.

At dusk, on a vaguely sunny day, the old priory is simply beautiful. Most days you stand a chance of exploring the site alone, with only the company of bleating sheep. In a sea of rich farmland, a protective wall, carefully restored, connects seven dwelling towers. It's unusually well fortified for a monastery and the heavy curtain walls hint at a troubled history. Indeed, within a single century from 1250, the abbey was twice fought over and burned down by squabbling warlords.