Kells

Climb to higher ground and an ancient priory

Kells is a village, situated on high ground to the south of the Kings River. Kells Augustinian Priory is one of the best preserved in Ireland, it is a National Monument and a must see. In Kells you will also find a Celtic cross that dates from the 9th century at the burial site of Niall Caille, High King of Ireland. Wander around the ruin which has a church, a chapel, prior’s residence or sacristy and several domestic buildings. There are guided tours available from Mid-June to Mid-September.
Kells is a 38-minute drive from Kilkenny City.

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Kells Priory

Kells Priory Transept

Kells, Co. Kilkenny, R95 V184

Tel: +353 (0)56 772 4623

jerpointabbey@opw.ie

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/kells-priory/

Kells Priory is Ireland’s largest enclosed ecclesiastical site located 20 minutes from Kilkenny city.

Although founded in c. 1193 extensive remains exist today which include a nave, chancel, lady chapel, cloister and associated builds plus the remains of the priory’s infirmary, workshop, kitchen, bread oven and mill. The existence of the medieval defences, surrounding the entire precinct, underline the military aspect of the site and inspired the priory’s local name, the ‘Seven Castles of Kells’.

 

Social Guide
Download the social guide about visiting Kells Priory here. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Kells Priory.