Overview:

Kells Priory is an National Monument located in County Kildare, Ireland. It is a ruined Augustinian priory located in Kells, County Kildare. The priory originated as a single monument in 1147 built by the Anglo-Norman knight, Hugh De Lacy. The priory is the second largest Augustinian complex in Ireland and the most complete. It features a tower-keep, a domestic range, a large chapterhouse, cloisters, and guest house. Today, Kells Priory is maintained by the Heritage, the National Monuments Service. It is open to the public and visitors can explore the grounds, as well as take tours inside the buildings. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Ireland
Prominent Features:

1. Historic Buildings: Kells Priory is one of the most significant historic buildings in Ireland. The ruins consist of two parts: the priory buildings, located near the River Nore, and the towers and walls which form a substantial part of the Irish landscape. 2. Gothic Architecture: Built in the 13th century, Kells Priory is one of the country's best examples of gothic architecture. The priory buildings are made of stone and feature intricate tracery, pointed arches, and octagonal towers. 3. Historic Gardens: Kells Priory is home to some of the country's oldest and most beautiful gardens. This includes the famous Sunken Garden, where seeds planted centuries ago is still growing today. 4. Celtic Crosses: Kells Priory is the site of one of the largest collections of Celtic crosses in Ireland. These crosses are a reminder of the Irish people's past, as well as its culture and religion. 5. Kilkenny Castle: The priory is also home to the impressive Kilkenny Castle, built in 1172 and located on the banks of the River Nore. The castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Irish Midlands, with its soaring turrets and castle walls still intact. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Ireland.

History:

Kells Priory is a well-preserved stately home located in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The priory was established in 1193 by the monks of the Augustinian Order and it is believed to have been a fortified monastery of some substance. The architectural details and the presence of several large tombs suggest that it was one of the most important religious sites in medieval Ireland. The priory was founded by King John of England in 1193. At this time, the Augustinians were given the responsibility of governing the priory and introducing new reforms to its structure. The priory became a dominant centre of learning and a powerful symbol of religion throughout Ireland. The monks lived in relative peace for centuries amidst the political unrest of the time. Over time, the priory underwent several renovations and extensions, including a handsome chapel which was built in the late 15th century. Throughout these centuries, the priory was a major pilgrimage destination for devout Catholics and remained so for centuries. In the almost 800 years since its founding, Kells Priory has been a place of history and importance for the local area and beyond. The grand structure continues to stand to this day, allowing visitors to explore its ancient walls and savour a sense of the past. The preservation of the priory’s history is one of its most admirable qualities, and visitors can come to truly appreciate its heritage and importance in local and national history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Ireland with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Kells Priory is an impressive 13th-century Augustinian priory located near the village of Kells in County Kilkenny, Ireland. 2. The priory was initially established by William Marshall (Earl of Pembroke) and his son Richard (Earl of Leinster) in 1209. 3. Kells Priory is one of the best preserved medieval religious sites in Ireland and one of the earliest large Romanesque churches in Ireland. 4. The Priory features a unique system of double walls with towers at intervals that follow the line of the original 12th century walls. 5.Within the walls are located fourteen buildings, including a 13th century church, chapels and cloisters, storehouses, and domestic ranges. 6. The priory has an ancient graveyard where several members of the Ormonde family are buried. 7. The priory also contains the remains of the famous Black Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript written in Latin in the 12th century, believed to be the most beautiful of the Gaelic manuscripts. 8. Kells Priory is a National Monument and is open to the public. One of the historical monuments of Ireland, it tells the story of a bygone era