Kells Priory, Medieval priory and national monument in County Kilkenny, Ireland
Kells Priory is a medieval stone monastery with fortified towers positioned along the King's River. The complex contains multiple buildings within defensive walls, including a church with nave and chancel, as well as residential tower houses arranged across the grounds.
The priory was founded as an Augustinian community in 1193 and faced repeated violent attacks over its first 150 years. These assaults shaped how the buildings were fortified and influenced its role in the region's troubled medieval period.
The site served both spiritual and protective purposes for the surrounding community during times of upheaval. The blend of religious buildings and defensive structures shows how daily life here mixed prayer with practical safety.
The site is accessible from a car park on the L1023 road where you can begin your exploration of the ruins. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some structures remain unstable.
Excavations uncovered around 20,000 artifacts, including fragments of painted window glass that revealed original window designs. These discoveries allowed researchers to understand decorative details that visitors would not otherwise see today.
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