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Black Abbey
This Dominican abbey on Abbey St was founded in 1225 by William Marshall and takes its name from the monks' black habits. In 1543, six years after Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, it was turned into a courthouse. Following Cromwell's visit in 1650, it remained a roofless ruin until restoration in 1866.
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Kells Priory
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.
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St Canice's Cathedral
Ireland's second-largest medieval cathedral is a magnificent edifice in Gothic style. Legend has it the first monastery was built here in the 6th century by St Canice, Kilkenny's patron saint. Records show a wooden church on the site burned down in 1087. The existing structure was raised between 1202 and 1285. In 1650, Cromwell's forces defaced the church.
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St John's Priory
Across the river from St Mary's Cathedral stand the ruins of St John's Priory, which was founded in 1200 and was noted for its many beautiful windows until Cromwell's visit.
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St Mary's Cathedral
The 19th-century St Mary's Cathedral is visible from most parts of town. A plaque at the entrance notes: 'The construction of the cathedral began in 1843 and continued during the famine years, the years of emigration, coffin ships, starvation, and even despair because of the many thousands of our people who died of hunger and disease…', before going on to list yet more tribulations.
Showing 1-5 of 5 results
