Stella Power Design

Kells Priory is one of the largest and also one of the most magnificent medieval historic monuments in Ireland. Scenically situated on the bank of the King's River, it is a fine example of a fortified Augustinian priory.

Its most striking feature is a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over three acres. These give the priory the appearance more of a fortress than of a place of worship and from them comes its local name of "Seven Castles".

During its first century and a half the priory was attacked and burned on three occasions. It seems mostly likely that the walls and fortifications were added at this time.

It was founded by Geoffrey FitzRobert in 1193 when he brought over four Augustinian Canons from Bodmin in Cornwall. Most of the existing buildings date from the 14th and 15th century.

The priory is divided into two wards, an inner monastic Precinct alongside the river and a large outer enclosure to the south.

The outer enclosure was referred to as Villa Prioris but more recently has been know as Burgher's Court or Burgess Court. It has four corner towers with connecting walls. The towers have machicolations over the doorways and the tower to the east has two fireplaces and a mural stairway. A fifth tower guards the bridge over the moat which runs along the wall dividing the wards.

There is another tower in the wall of the lower ward and within the ward are the remains of a church and other buildings including a residential tower of about four storeys. The church consists of a nave and chancel with a central tower and a large Lady Chapel opens off the transept.

Dissolution of the priory eventually took place in 1540 and the grounds were granted to James, Ninth Earl of Ormond. However, priors continued to be elected almost until Cromwellian times.

A4 Glossy Print