Founded in the 12th century, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. The architectural styles within the church, constructed in the late twelfth century, reflect the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The tower and cloister date to the fifteenth century.

Jerpoint Abbey is famous for its detailed stone sculptures found throughout the monastery. Dating from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries these include mensa tombs from the O’Tunney school, an intricate depiction of two 13th century knights, the decorated cloister arcades along with other effigies and memorials.

The Abbey constructed in 1180 on the site of an earlier Benedictine monastery built in 1160 by Domnall Mac Gilla Patraic, King of Osraige. Jerpoint is notable for its stone carvings, including one at the tomb of Felix O’Dulany, Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory when the abbey was founded. 

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey passed into the possession of James, Earl of Ormand, in 1541. Close to Jerpoint Abbey, at Newtown Jerpoint, are the ruins of a church where a local legend places the grave of Saint Nicholas.

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Operating Hours

March 17 –  December 13, 2023 | 09:00 – 16:00 | Last admission 15:15

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Tours of Kilkenny City and County

Nearby Sites to Visit

Kells Priory

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’.

Operating Hours

June – September
Wednesday – Sunday | 09:30 – 17:00 | Last guided tour at 16:00

Kilkenny Castle

The castle, set in extensive parkland, was remodeled in Victorian times. It was taken over by the Irish State in 1969 and since then has undergone ambitious restoration works. It now welcomes thousands of visitors a year.

Operating Hours

April – September | Daily: 09:15 – 17:30 | Last admission 17:00.
October- March | Daily: 09:30- 17:00 | Last admission 16:30

Tours to Kells Priory and Kilkenny Castle

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