No more than a hop and a skip from our base in Kilkenny, Kells Priory is a far too infrequently visited medieval monastic site, one of the largest and most impressive in Ireland. Founded in 1198 by Geoffrey FitzRobert, a Norman knight who later became Baron of Kells, it was built on the site of an 8th century church.
Beautifully situated beside the meandering King’s River, it’s an imposing place still and it’s easy to imagine how it must have looked at its prime when Augustinian monks lived, worked, studied and prayed there.
The older buildings, clustered close to the river, comprise the original priory. The nave, chancel and cloister are largely still intact plus there are remains of the priory’s infirmary, workshop, kitchen, bread oven and mill. The most notable feature is the series of square tower houses, seven in all, in which the monks lived – the priory is sometimes still referred to locally as the Seven Castles.
Tower in Villa Prioris. Copyright Andreas F. Borchert
A large square grassy area, surrounded by high walls and towers, is a 15th century addition known as the Villa Prioris, and gives the air of being a defensive structure. It was more likely an enclosure for livestock, built with the intention of doubling as a place where the people of Kells village, which grew up around the priory, could take refuge if needed.
However, no walls could save them when Kells Priory fell foul of Henry VIII’s suppression of Catholic monasteries and churches and in 1540 the Augustinians left for good. The priory and its surrounding land was given by the King to the Earls of Ormonde, occupants of Kilkenny Castle. It is remarkable how much still stands considering it has been abandoned for almost 500 years.
The area surrounding and inside the Priory are very well maintained and it is a lovely place to stop for a picnic. Admission is free, there is a nearby carpark and a part time guide during the summer.