churches historical killarney

The first monastery on this scenically situated island in Lough Leane is said to have been founded by St. Finian the Leper in the 7th century. It was twice plundered by the Vikings. Its most renowned monk, Maelsuthain O'Carroll, 'chief doctor of the Western world of his time' and a friend of the High King Brian Boru, died in 1009. It flourished in the 12th century until it was plundered in 1180 by Maiilduin, son of Donal O'Donoghue. However, it survived this shock and remained such a centre...

Across the road from the friary is Killegy Churchyard. A large cross marks the grave of Henry Arthur Herbert, builder of Muckross House, who died in 1866. The 18th century reconstructed church was built as a mortuary chapel for Maurice Hussey of Cahernae, late Colonel in the army of James II, who died in 1714. The original church on the site was probably the 12th-13th century parish church....