Muckross Abbey — Attraction in Killarney Municipal District

Discover Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey in County Kerry, Ireland, is a 15th-century Franciscan friary that combines history and natural beauty. Here's what you need to know:

Location: Find Muckross Abbey in Killarney National Park, a short drive from Killarney town. Highlights: Explore the atmospheric ruins, admire the unique architecture, and soak in the serene surroundings.

Hours and Admission: Check the abbey's opening hours and note that entry is usually free.

Must-See: Don't miss the central courtyard, grand cloister, tower, and stone tombs. Cultural Significance: Learn about the abbey's historical role as a burial place and refuge for persecuted monks.

Photography and Respect: Capture the beauty, but be respectful and observe silence within the abbey.

Nearby Attractions: Take time to visit Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, and the scenic lakes of Killarney. Enjoy your journey through time and Irish heritage at...

Not far from Killarney lies Muckross Abbey, a fantastic place for those interested in ruins, Irish history and fantastic photo opportunities!

The Abbey was founded about 1448, and the friars remained there at least until Comwellian times. Today there are nothing left but ruins, although these ruins are rather well-reserved, and give access to a second floor, a vaulted cloister with arcades of arches around a square courtyard inside which a tree proudly grows.

There is a parking spot in front, and you either walk there or take one of the horse carriages (although I would not advise this as I really pity these poor horses that have to stand around all day until tourists wants to be taken somewhere). The parking spot and the visit to the Abbey are free, and it’s one of the finest ruins I have ever visited and I hope I can come...

Best ruins we visited in Ireland. I know there are a thousand things to see in Ireland, and one can't get to see it all, but we went all the way around Ireland and were amazed at this place. There are so many places to explore in the Abbey. Would never be allowed to do that in the States in fear of someone getting hurt and suing, but here you could wander through most of it on your own, and it is open all the time. We wanted to go near dusk but didn't work that way. The grounds outside the Abbey are worth exploring, too! And the Yew tree was a sight still standing tall and strong!! As an fyi there is a small parking area RIGHT at the Abbey. You don't have to walk btwn the house and Abbey, you can then drive to the house. The 1.5-2km walk was easy and...