Killagh Priory St. Mary de Bello Loco

Killagh Priory is a ruined monastery in County Kerry founded by Augustinian canons. The surviving stonework displays Gothic doors, lancet windows, and architectural features typical of medieval religious buildings.

Geoffrey de Marisco founded this religious complex in 1216 at a location where an earlier church dedicated to Saint Coleman had previously stood. The priory subsequently became an important monastic site in the Kerry region.

The name 'de Bello Loco' refers to the marshy setting of this site in the local landscape. Visitors can still see the layout of the ruins, which reveals how the religious community structured their daily life in this remote location.

The ruins sit at a somewhat remote location and are accessible on foot but offer little shelter from weather. Visitors should expect uneven ground and damp conditions, especially during wetter seasons.

Dark marble elements appear in scattered sections of the walls, suggesting the building underwent modifications at different periods. This reveals that the priory was adapted over time as needs and circumstances changed.

Location: County Kerry

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 52.14962,-9.73052

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41