Direction Ireland

Jerpoint Abbey

Southeast Ireland | County Kilkenny

Jerpoint is ruined Cistercian abbey located about 2 km southwest of Thomastown (road R448), in County Kilkenny. Abbey was founded probably by Donal MacGillapatrick King of Ossory, around 1160. The monks of the Cistercian Order from Baltinglass Abbey (Co Wicklow) moved there around the 1180 and probably then much of the construction was completed. Jerpoint Abbey has conventional Cistercian layout, with a cruciform church of nave, chancel and transepts. In the 15th century the crossing tower and fine cloister were added and abbey has been flourishing until the Dissolution of Monasteries by King Henry VIII in 1540's. Jerpoint abbey has fallen into ruin by 17th century. In 1880 it came into the State care as National Monument and now is managed and conservated by OPW (Office of Public Works) and is open to the public. The most remarkable part is a partially reconstructed in 1953, the 15th century sculptured cloister arcade with number of fine carvings on its pillars, depicting knights in fine armour, courtly damsels, clerics, various saints, grotesque forms and even a man who seems to have a stomach-ache.There are also few notable skillfully sculpted tomb slabs dating from the 13th to 16th century, as for example, the tomb of Robert Walsh and Katherine Power or tomb depicting the group of saints called "weepers" locacted in the north transept. Many other noteworthy pieces of sculpted ornaments are displayed in exhibition rooms beside the cloister arcade and in Jerpoint Abbey Visitor Centre.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • March-September :
    • Daily: 09.00 - 17.30
  • October :
    • Daily: 09.00 - 17.00
  • November :
    • Daily: 09.30 - 16.00
  • December-March :
    • Pre-booked tours only
• TICKET PRICES :
  • Adult: €4
  • Senior/Group: €3
  • Child/Student: €2
  • Family: €10
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353 56 772 4623
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes