MUCKROSS ABBEY
Mhucrois
Killarney, County Kerry

Muckross Abbey is one of Ireland's major monastic sites. It was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan Friary for the Observantine Franciscans by Donal McCarthy Mór, who'd just completed works on Blarney Castle two years previously.

The Abbey has had a tumultuous past and has been damaged and reconstructed many times. The monetary success of the monastery attracted marauders for centuries. Yet, the ruins today are in incredibly good condition, though mainly roofless.

Visitors are welcome to wander the hallways and chambers and climb the stone steps to the upper level which once houses the dormitory.

One of the most striking features of the Abbey is the cloistered courtyard, where a yew tree grows. This yew was planted on the founding day of the Abbey, making the tree about 560 years old! The cloister around the courtyard is fully

intact and has lovely vaulted ceilings and hand-carved pillars.

Until the 18th century, the abbey's graveyard was a popular place of burial for some of the regions prominent poets, including O'Donoghue, O'Rathaille and O'Suilleabhain.

~ Free attraction
~ Free car parking available, short walk
~ Jaunting cars available from main road or Muckross House
~ Easy access around grounds, full access to lower level