Kells Priory
Visit Ireland’s largest enclosed ecclesiastical site
Site access all year round -Self Guided visits from 01 September 2025
Please note : Guide presence ceased on 31 August 2025 but the site remains accessible for self guided visits.
Kells Priory
Kells Priory owes its foundation to the Anglo-Norman consolidation of Leinster. Founded by Geoffrey FitzRobert, a household knight and trusted companion of William Marshal the priory was one element of Geoffrey’s establishment of the medieval town of Kells.
Although founded in c. 1193 extensive remains exist today which include a nave, chancel, lady chapel, cloister and associated builds plus the remains of the priory’s infirmary, workshop, kitchen, bread oven and mill. The existence of the medieval defences, surrounding the entire precinct, underline the military aspect of the site and inspired the priory’s local name, the ‘Seven Castles of Kells’.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
Site accessible all year .
Self Guided Visits only from 01 September 2025.
Notice
Access to the Priory is currently via the car park on L1023
Getting Here
Access to the Priory is currently via the car park on L1023
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Audio Tour
- Guided tours
- River Walk
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Kells Priory
Jerpoint Cistercian Abbey
Where Irish medieval sculpture reached new heights
Approx. 7.9 km from Kells Priory
Kilkenny Castle
The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city
Approx. 12.5 km from Kells Priory
St. Mary’s Church Gowran
Records written in stone in the heart of Gowran
Approx. 17.0 km from Kells Priory
Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Kells Priory. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Kells Priory.
Download the Social Guide