kells augustinian priory

Geoffrey de Marisco brought over four Augustinians Canons from Bodmin in Cornwall to found a new priory here in 1193. The Prior was a Lord of Parliament. Most of the existing buildings, however, date from the 14th and 15th centuries, and although little known, they form one of the most striking conglomerations of medieval buildings in Ireland. The church consists of a nave and chancel, topped by a central square tower. it has an aisle on the west side and a chapel on the south side of the tower. Another chapel, the large Lady Chapel, opens off the transept. A further tower stands at the north-western angle of the church, and this is presumed to have been the Prior's residence, though it could also have acted as a sacristy. To the south of the church there are remnants of extensive domestic buildings, including a kitchen. The five acres to the south of the church were fortified by two sets of walls which make it one of the largest monasteries in Ireland. The inner enclosure is fortified by a wall with two turrets, and the main entrance is to be found in the east wall.