Kells Priory
Visit Ireland’s largest enclosed ecclesiastical site
Limited Access
Access to the Priory is currently via the car park on L1023
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
Guided tours available.
From 08 June – 03 September 2023
Wednesday – Sunday
09:30 – 17:00
Last guided tour 16:00
Facilities
- Audio Tour
- Guided tours
- River Walk
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Kells Priory
Jerpoint 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