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Heritage Ireland

Kells Priory

Visit Ireland’s largest enclosed ecclesiastical site

See all opening times

Kells Priory

Visit Ireland’s largest enclosed ecclesiastical site

See all opening times

Kells Priory site is accessible but please note that guided tours have now ceased for the 2024 season

Admission

Free admission

Getting here

Kells Priory
Kells
Co. Kilkenny
R95 V184

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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’.

Opening Times

Kells Priory site is accessible but please note that guided tours have now ceased for the 2024 season.

Notice

Access to the Priory is currently via the car park on L1023

Contact

Kells Priory
Kells
Co. Kilkenny
R95 V184

056 772 4623 / 087 067 5783

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Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Audio Tour
  • Guided tours
  • River Walk

Restrictions

  • Dogs on lead
  • Uneven walkways

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

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