Kells Priory — Attraction in The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown

Ireland’s Most Underrated Medieval Fortress

Kells Priory is what happens when monks decide to build a monastery but accidentally create a castle. Founded in the 12th century by the Norman lord Geoffrey FitzRobert, it was attacked and rebuilt so many times that the canons eventually surrounded it with massive defensive walls — seven towers of pure medieval overcompensation.

Walking through it today feels like stepping into a forgotten walled town. There’s no gift shop, no ticket booth, just centuries of stone, silence, and sheep. It’s one of the few sites in Ireland where you can genuinely feel the overlap of faith, fear, and feudal politics — the holy men who prayed behind battlements.

Bring good boots and a bit of imagination; the place tells its own story better than any...

From Kilkenny Castle to the Rock of Cashel to Christchurch Cathedral to Dun Aonghasa, we visited dozens of sites on a road trip in June. They were each amazing in their own right, but nothing captured the imagine like the Kells Priory. We pulled into the tiny parking lot on a late afternoon to be the only visitors for the hour or so we explored the site. With a light fog and mist, it was ethereal. Enter through the gate and be greeted by the hundred or so sheep roaming the grounds, leaving a mine field of droppings you'll want to avoid. The massive ruins are breathtaking. Considering the history of the site, its size, and ease of access, I'm still blown away that the site is free to visit. Don't miss out on the Kells Priory if you visit Kilkenny or on your way...

Great little hike to Kells Priory. Kells Priory is an awe-inspiring hidden gem steeped in medieval history and serenity. Walking through its vast grounds, surrounded by crumbling towers and ancient stone walls, felt like stepping back in time. The self-guided trail is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing us to explore the ruins at our own pace. The size and preservation of the priory are truly impressive—especially the seven defensive towers lining the outer walls, often called the “Seven Castles.” It’s perfect for history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet, atmospheric experience in the Irish countryside. There’s even a lovely river running alongside, adding to the charm. Don’t miss this remarkable piece of...