Kilcooly Cistercian Abbey

Map Reference: S290578 (2290, 1578)

The Cistercian abbey at Kilcooly was founded in 1182 by monks from Jerpoint and dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St Benedict.



It was almost completely destroyed in the mid-15th century and extensive reconstruction then took place. The church lost its aisles and a new north transept and a tower were built. From this time also date the two stone seats in the nave - one of them richly decorated. In the chancel there are some good memorials including a very fine tomb-chest by Rory O'Tunney from c1526.



This is the tomb of Piers Fitz Oge Butler and has some very fine weepers and an effigy of the knight. On the wall leading into the sacristy are some very good decorated panels depicting St Christopher and a Crucifixion as well as a mermaid holding a mirror.



The sacristy was modified to form a two-storey house around the beginning of the 16th century.



There are many fine windows throughout the abbey with the best being the large flamboyant east window.



A short distance from the church is a ruined columbarium.