Muckross Abbey
Founded in 1448 by Dónal MacCarthy, Muckross Abbey was built as a Franciscan Friary to cater for the Observantine Franciscans. The Abbey was subject to a harsh past as the friars saw it vandalised and reconstructed many times. The final battle was at the hands of Oliver Cromwell in 1654 that persecuted the remaining friars under Lord Ludlow. It was subsequently burned down and today the ruins remain largely roofless and very well preserved.
The grounds of Muckross Abbey became a burial ground during the 17th and 18th century for the infamous Kerry poets; O’Donoghue, Ó Rathaille and Ó Súilleabháin. Today the cemetery also consists of many priests and local families.
Visitors are welcome to enter the Abbey and explore the enchanted grounds that the monks once walked. There is no fee and parking is available at the Muckross Abbey Car Park.
Contact information
Muckross Abbey, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
