Kells Abbey

Kells Abbey

Kells Abbey is located in County Kilkenny, Ireland, and is one of the largest and most impressive medieval abbey ruins in the country. This Augustinian abbey sits on the banks of the River King, adjacent to the village of Kells, and about 15 kilometers south of the medieval city of Kilkenny. Today, Kells Abbey has been listed on Ireland’s National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Although now in ruins, it has not been forgotten and continues to attract large numbers of visitors every year.

Kells Abbey was established in 1193 in honor of the Virgin Mary. During the first century and a half of its existence, it was attacked or damaged by fire on three separate occasions. Most of the existing abbey ruins date back to the 14th and 15th centuries and consist of a church, chapels, monks' living quarters, a sacristy, and various structural remains. One of its most notable features is the presence of a series of medieval towers spread across three acres of land, giving the site the appearance of a fortress rather than a place of worship. As a result, locals have nicknamed it the “Seven Castles.”

Archaeological excavations at Kells Abbey began in 1972, marking an unprecedented large-scale dig at a monastic site in Ireland. Around 20,000 various artifacts were unearthed, including stone carvings, ceramics, floor and roof tiles, metal objects, and a range of stained glass pieces.

Kells Priory

Must-visit reason: One of Ireland’s most impressive medieval abbey ruins

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 Kilkenny [County Kilkenny]

City where the attraction is located: Kilkenny [Kilkenny]