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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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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

976 reviews

Google

4.7

Facebook

4.5

418 likes

Heather S

The abbey is quite large and even has an accessible second story. There is minimal information posted, which adds to the sense of visiting a real ruin that hasn't been overrun with audio guided tours ... more »
Kevin H

History, history and more history,, plus a nice walk in the woods, not much else to want on a lazy afternoon. This is only a 5 or 10 minute walk from the Mansion, about 15 min walk from the Lake Hotel... more »
Shura88

Es ist ein wunderschöner und typischer irischer Ort. Ich fand es wunderschön und geheimnisvoll. Das verkörpert so typisch Irland und das sollte man auf jeden Fall gesehen haben WUNDERSCHÖN more »

It is a beautiful and typical Irish place. I found it beautiful and mysterious. That represents Ireland so typical and you should have seen that most definitely beautiful

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Julia Stoll

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.

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Lola Smith

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.

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Anke Schmidt

A visit is a must. The landscape around is wonderful

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Lavina Kerki

Very interesting and beautiful place! Totally worth a walk on a rain

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Susan Kennedy

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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Where to stay in Killarney

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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Muckross Abbey, Killarney

Heather S

Kevin H

Shura88

Julia Stoll

Lola Smith

Anke Schmidt

Lavina Kerki

Susan Kennedy

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