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Muckross Abbey, Killarney

4.7
#3 of 18 in Historic Sites in Killarney
Religious Site Historic Site
Located in Killarney National Park, the historical Muckross Abbey is known for its long-standing structure and central courtyard. You'll notice that the abbey, founded in 1448, has been well preserved, although much of it is roofless now. Stroll the courtyard, which is surrounded by a vaulted cloister and features a giant yew tree. Over the years, three Gaelic poets, Geoffrey O'Donoghue, Aodhagan O'Rathaille, and Eoghan Rua O'Suilleabhain, were buried here. Explore the ruins of the site, which were reconstructed several times after attacks. Consider adding a trip to the nearby Muckross House to your itinerary for the day. Put Muckross Abbey at the forefront of your travel plans using our Killarney trip itinerary planner.
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Muckross Abbey Tours
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Muckross Abbey Reviews
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4.7
TripAdvisor
  • August 17, 2017
    Nice place to walk around if you're in the area. The House and combine the abbey is fun. Little move, history and being outdoors.
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  • August 16, 2017
    This 14th century Franciscan abbey built by the McCarthy More of that time has been a place of contemplation since that time until now. One can still feel the seance of sanctuary when walking around h...  more »
  • August 11, 2017
    Well-preserved Abbey (for Ireland) located in a beautiful park. Visit the small cloister with centuries-old tree, and do not forget to go upstairs. The visit is free and free and little appreciated.
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  • July 2, 2017
    Very nice and quiet abbey with active graveyard. The court yard of the abbey is home to a massive tree which grow high above the abbey. Stair cases lead you up to the first floor and then a bit further up the tower. Sadly you can't go all the way up.
  • April 20, 2017
    Please be sure to explore the gravesites here and the Yew tree. Go up the stairs, spend time here and listen to the wind blow and please enjoy the beauty of this ruin. I wish I had the money to own and refurbish it back to its former study beauty. It was remarkable to walk among the grounds - please take much more time here to hear the beautiful whispers in the wind.
  • May 12, 2017
    A visit is a must. The landscape around is wonderful
  • June 11, 2017
    Very interesting and beautiful place! Totally worth a walk on a rain
  • February 12, 2017
    Muckross Abbey is one of the major ecclesiastical sites found in the Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland. It was founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary for the Observantine Franciscans by Donal McCarthy
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Best things to do in Killarney

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Killarney National Park
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Franciscan Friary
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Carrantoohil
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Where to stay in Killarney

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Travelers visit Killarney for the national park surrounding it, and there are plenty of places to stay in town that capitalize on the natural beauty of the valley setting. Because of its popularity, Killarney has more hotel beds than any other town or city in Ireland other than Dublin. Stay at a hotel or hostel in the town's center near the bustling corner of Main Street and East Avenue Road, or find a place along the side streets off Main Street for easy access to tourist shops, local pubs, and restaurants. There are plenty of affordable bed and breakfasts or guesthouses just within walking distance from the center, or you can stay outside of town at a scenic farmhouse or luxurious resort.
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Plans in Killarney by other users

14 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES November, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: November, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 4 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM November, hidden gems PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM AFGHANISTAN October, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: October, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 16 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM AFGHANISTAN December, popular PREFERENCES: December ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in Belfast, Ballintoy & Ireland BY A USER FROM CANADA November, popular PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 12 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES March, teens, kids, outdoors, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: March, teens, kids, outdoors, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 12 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES March, teens, kids, culture, outdoors, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: March, teens, kids, culture, outdoors, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in Ireland SEE PLAN July, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 12 days in Ireland & Belfast BY A USER FROM CANADA September, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, wildlife, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 35 days in United Kingdom & Ireland BY A USER FROM CANADA August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 14 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 9 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Slow & easy
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