Kilkenny Grey Friary, Franciscan friary and national monument in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Kilkenny Grey Friary is a Franciscan friary and national monument in County Kilkenny with Gothic architectural elements throughout. The remaining walls display medieval construction methods and carefully crafted stonework that reveals details of its former layout and design.
The friary was founded in 1232 and served as a place of religious community and worship for over three centuries. Its story ended in 1559 when the Reformation in Ireland forced it to cease its operations.
This was once the spiritual heart of a Franciscan community that gathered here for prayer and contemplation. Visitors can still see the spaces where daily religious life unfolded and monks devoted themselves to their faith.
The monument sits near Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral, making it easy to include in a historical walking tour of the city. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the ruins and their surroundings properly.
The site is documented in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland under reference number KK019-026101, highlighting its research value. This systematic record helps scholars study the architectural and historical details preserved here.
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