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County Kilkenny
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Kells Priory

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Kells Priory
4.5
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4.5
239 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
57
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Lois A
Fredericksburg, VA182 contributions
Worth it!
Sep 2023 • Friends
A little bit hard to find, but so worth it! Peaceful walk from car park. Great to see and we had it all to ourselves.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isabel Le Roux
Callan, Ireland22 contributions
Peaceful & Incredible Sight
Aug 2023 • Friends
Unbelievable ruins, great history, beautiful places to take photos at and in. Super helpful and friendly guides. Worth a few hours to relax and take a walk.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt
8 contributions
Amazing !
Jul 2023 • Couples
An amazing place, charming and interesting, where you can meet the past.
Our two guides were very nice, and passionate about this place. They made our visit really great !
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
penelope2012
Galway, Ireland74 contributions
Stunning ruins
Jul 2023 • Couples
Fabulous place to visit for free. This is a lovely place to walk around and to explore. If staying in Kilkenny or Stoneyford make sure you visit.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Houston_Eriol
Houston399 contributions
Awesome ruins.
Jun 2023 • Couples
If you love ruins this is a great place. A little out of the way (unless you are going to KIlkenny) and fun to drive on typical (i.e., narrow single lane) roads.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony E
Switzerland581 contributions
A huge complex of ruins, well worth visiting
Jun 2023 • Couples
We had just visited the better-known Jerpoint Abbey, and were wondering if it was even worth visiting this place too. We needn’t have worried. The ruins of this fortified priory cover a huge area, and from some viewing angles you’d think you were in a real war zone or a Hollywood movie set. There are so many ruins to explore, accompanied only by sheep. And for those on a limited budget, entry is free!
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,377 contributions
Quiet Stroll Through Ancient Ruins
Apr 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed our stroll through these ruins. It was very quiet and serene. It would be better with a guide to learn more about them, however we enjoyed the lack of crowds.
Written 25 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann C
Nashville, TN3,238 contributions
Kells Priory
Sep 2022
It felt like we won the lottery on our visit to Kells Priory because we ended up with a private tower tour from John C.

We had a wonderful time learning about the priory from John.

Kells priory is an example of a fortified monastery. It is one of the most impressive Augustinian priories in the country.
Written 4 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill S
Grand Rapids, MN274 contributions
A must see!!!
Sep 2022 • Couples
If you’re into history, this place is amazing. I could actually get a sense of life in a medieval castle. From turrets with openings for archers to grand courtyards, it’s spectacular. It would have been fun to walk the walls, but it’s not an option. Watch for piles of sheep poop on the approach. It’s abundant and fresh.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
victoria B
Lincolnshire, UK577 contributions
Worth a special visit; lovely tranquil place for a picnic
Jun 2022
There is parking on a layby off the road and the Priory is a shortish walk across a field. It is free to enter but there are no facilities at the ruin.

The location is lovely, adjacent to a river providing the perfect spot for a picnic. Sheep wander around adding to the picturesque nature of the place.

The ruins were very atmospheric and it is easy to imagine that this was the original home of the Book of Kells. The Priory is surrounded by its original Medieval wall and the entrance is through one of the original gate towers.
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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KELLS PRIORY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Kells Priory