Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is located within Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland, about 5 kilometers south of Killarney, and is an important ecclesiastical site.

Muckross Abbey was established in 1448 as a Franciscan abbey and has a turbulent and violent history, having been destroyed and rebuilt many times; the monks were often subjected to attacks by raiding groups. For example, in 1598, Elizabeth I expelled the monks from the site; in 1653, Oliver Cromwell’s forces burned it down. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it became the burial place for many notable figures and aristocrats from County Kerry, including three of Ireland’s four most famous poets: O'Donoghue, Ó Rathaille, and Ó Súilleabháin.

Today, although roofless, Muckross Abbey remains fairly well preserved, featuring a church with a square tower, intact windows, a central courtyard, and cloisters. Its most distinctive feature is the central courtyard, which is planted with numerous yew trees and surrounded by a beautifully arched cloister.

Muckross Abbey

Must-visit reason: One of the most important ecclesiastical sites in County Kerry

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Ireland[Ireland]

Province/State where the attraction is located: County Kerry [County Kerry]