Abbeydorney Abbey, Medieval Cistercian abbey ruins in County Kerry, Ireland

Abbeydorney Abbey stands 9 km north of Tralee, at the north end of Abbeydorney village. What survives is the 15th-century cruciform abbey church, with remains of its west tower, plus parts of the claustral buildings. The grounds are largely taken up by gravestones and serve as a cemetery.

Founded in 1154 by the O Torna chieftain for Cistercians from Monasteranenagh, it was the only medieval Cistercian house in County Kerry. Christian O'Conarchy, first abbot of Mellifont, retired here and was buried in 1186. An abbot was deposed in 1227 over the Conspiracy of Mellifont. Dissolved in 1537, monks remained until 1577, and the lands passed to Edmund Lord Kerry, who received the title Baron O'Dorney.

The Cistercians named the house Kyrie Eleison, Greek for 'Lord, have mercy', choosing a word that echoed Ciarrai, the Irish name of County Kerry. The Irish name Mainistir Ó dTorna recalls the O Torna chieftain family who founded it. The gravestones filling the grounds show the site has served as the local cemetery since the monks left.

The site serves as an active cemetery and remains open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the medieval structures on the grounds. Comfortable walking shoes are helpful since the site is open and exposed, with limited facilities available.

Christian O'Conarchy, the first abbot of Mellifont Abbey, selected this location for his final years and was buried here in 1186. This connection links the site to one of Ireland's most important monastic communities of that time.