Black Abbey – forming part of a Franciscan friary
founded in 1225, the abbey was dissolved under the hand of King
Henry VIII in 1543 and converted for use as a courthouse. The
abbey was opened for public worship during the 19th century, while
its graveyard provides the final resting place for some ten stone
coffins from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Duiske Abbey – situated in Graiguenamanagh and founded
by the Earl of Pembroke, this 13th century Cistercian abbey is
now a Catholic church. Restored to its original splendour, this
is the largest of Ireland’s many Cistercian buildings, while
the effigy of a 13th century knight, which was resurrected from
the ruins, has been placed near the entrance door.
Inistiogue – southeast of Thomastown is the picturesque
village of Inistiogue. Its charming 18th century bridge of ten
arches spanning the River Nore and the ruins of an Augustinian
priory dating back to 1210 are characteristic of this photogenic
village. Inistiogue’s quaint beauty has resulted in both
"Widow’s Peak" and "Circle of Friends"
being filmed here.
Jerpoint Abbey
Jerpoint Abbey – one mile from Thomastown lies the
Cistercian abbey of Jerpoint, one of the most impressive monastic
ruins in Ireland. Founded in 1160, the abbey flourished until
it was suppressed during the 16th century. A fine central tower
was added in the 15th century, while the restored cloister pillars
are decorated with fine sculpted figures of knights and ladies,
bishops, dragons and an unhappy-looking monk, clutching his stomach.
Kilkenny's Butler Castle
Kilkenny Castle – the great 13th century fortress
of the Butler family is one of Ireland’s best-known landmarks
and occupies a fine position in Kilkenny City, overlooking the
River Nore. The castle, which replaced an earlier fortress erected
by Strongbow, remained home to the Butler family until 1936. Visitors
may take guided tours of the castle and wander around its extensive
landscaped grounds.
Rothe House – one of Kilkenny’s oldest mansions,
Rothe House was built in 1594 and played a central role as a meeting
place for religious and political leaders at the time of the Confederation
of Kilkenny. Located in the heart of the city, today the house
functions as a museum and doubles as a depository for the collections
of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
St. Canices Cathedral – overlooking the northern
end of Kilkenny City, the present cathedral is built on the site
of an early monastic settlement, of which only a 100-foot round
tower survives. The cathedral was completed circa 1270, and its
limestone effigies of Piers and Margaret Butler, lying side by
side here, have the perennial appeal of Egyptian mummies.
