Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Province of Leinster / County Kilkenny / Kilkenny / Black Abbey

Black Abbey, Kilkenny

4.5

Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

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Black Abbey represents a Catholic monastery of the Dominican order built in 1225, and it also serves as the local church of Killkenny. Its name derives from the "black friars," an old English nickname for Dominicans. Join the locals for religious observance, or visit between services to view the building. The old structure impresses with highly detailed stained glass throughout. Brochures describing the history of this important church are available for purchase. Check the mass schedule online before you go; doors may be locked during services. With our custom trip planner, Kilkenny attractions like Black Abbey can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.

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Tours to Black Abbey

FROM $32 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

5.0

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from $32 ›

FROM $13 BOOK WITH VIATOR Walking tour of Kilkenny's must see attractions with a certified guide. . Walking tour of Kilkenny's must see attractions with a certified guide. .

5.0

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $13 ›

FROM $106 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private walking Tour of Kilkenny with a qualified Tour Guide Private walking Tour of Kilkenny with a qualified Tour Guide

5.0

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $106 ›

Black Abbey reviews

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572 reviews

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4.6

By PaddyGilmore

Worth a visit to see the stain glass windows alone. Key part of the medieval history of Kilkenny. Small attraction but one not to be missed.

Worth a visit to see the stain glass windows alone. Key part of the medieval history of Kilkenny. Small attraction but one not to be missed. more »
By JacobWardamse

That's pretty everything there is to say. The interior is all re-built in the 20C, and only an art historian would trace some more ancient layers of the brick. Could be skipped on your trek trough...

That's pretty everything there is to say. The interior is all re-built in the 20C, and only an art historian would trace some more ancient layers of the brick. Could be skipped on your trek trough... more »
By Ana_L_23

Nice abbey, though quite small. The most interesting is the stained glass windows!!! Free admission.

Nice abbey, though quite small. The most interesting is the stained glass windows!!! Free admission. more »

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By Caroline Carvalho

The masses are incredible and the priest is so wise and kind. God bless!

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By Kilkennycycles -

Pass this church every day and still fascinated by its history.

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By harry fisher

Great visit. The windows are fantastic.

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By Jane Harkin

I really liked the black Abbey. Very striking stonework and the stained glass was beautiful.

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By Vikkineshwaran Siva Subramaniam

Peaceful

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