County Kilkenny · Damp, Muddy & Happy · Ireland December 2012 · Monastery, Abbey, Church · Tourist Sites

Kells, County Kilkenny

The are two towns called Kells in Ireland. The more famous one, located in County Meath, was home to the famous Book of Kells. The second one, is located in County Kilkenny and my last stop of the day.

High Tower of Kell's Priory
High Tower of Kell’s Priory

As I entered the town of Kells, I came upon the ruin of St Kieran’s Church. A bit of wandering around meant that I found numerous grave slabs. The church was locked up, but since iron gates are used, you can still see inside. This church was built prior to the arrival of the Normans and before the Priory was built.

To the north, and through a field, is Kells Priory. An Augustinian priory built in 1193, with additions in the 15th centuries, it sits alone in a large field and looks more like a castle or fortress than a monastery. (Wikipedia link on Kells Priory).

We have had a lot of rain and the pasture didn’t look too hospitable, so I tired to find a path from the other side. However, the river was very high and I thought it would probably be best to play it safe. So, from the bridge, I was able to get some photos.

One of the tour books that I have said something about having the place to yourself, along with bleating and pooping sheep. When I arrived … there were no sheep to be found.  By the time I drove back to the main parking area, what did I see come over the hill? Sheep! So, I hung out for awhile for photos!

St. Kierans's Church
St. Kierans’s Church

 

Inside st. Kieran's
Inside st. Kieran’s

 

Unique grave slabs ... Notice the crosses. They look like Templar crosses.
Unique grave slabs … Notice the crosses. They look like Templar crosses.

 

Kells Priory; from St. Kieran's Church
Kells Priory; from St. Kieran’s Church

 

Kells Priory; from bridge
Kells Priory; from bridge

 

Kells Priory; see the numerous tower houses
Kells Priory; see the numerous tower houses

 

Here come the sheep!
Here come the sheep!

 


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