Location – On the R448 near Thomastown.
OS: S 57222 40236
Longitude: -7.1578106
Latitude: 52.510805
Description and History – Jerpoint Abbey is one of the gems of monastic architecture in Ireland. With its array of medieval sculpture, surviving wall-paintings, and mixture of architectural styles it is easy to get overwhelmed, so I definitely recommend taking your time here.
Located close to the Little Arrigle River Jerpoint Abbey was possibly founded as early as 1158. It is recorded that Donal Mac Gillapatrick founded an abbey close to this location at this time, but it is not definitive that it is Jerpoint, although the presence of some Romanesque stonework here would support this early date. John, Lord of Ireland (the future King John) granted the abbey to the Cistercians in c.1185, although it already appears to have been in Cistercian hands as it became the daughter-house of Baltinglass in 1180. In 1184 Jerpoint colonised Kilcooley Abbey which had been founded by Dómhnall Mór Ua Briain two years previously. Jerpoint’s history over the next few centuries was plagued by scandals, both political and financial. In 1217 an abbot was deposed for this involvement in the instigation of a riot at Jerpoint which was part of a larger conflict between Norman and Irish abbots. Following this, in 1227, Jerpoint was taken from Baltinglass and became affiliated with Fountains in Yorkshire. The following year it was recorded that there were 36 monks and 50 lay brothers resident at Jerpoint. Little is recorded for the 14th century at Jerpoint, but in 1380 an act was enforced that no Irishman would be professed as a monk at Jerpoint. In the 15th century a scheme of major repairs and rebuilding works were carried out, beginning in 1442 when the abbey fell under the patronage of the Butlers. The square tower above the church was added at this time and cloister arcades were entirely rebuilt. It was surrendered during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540 and it was noted at the time that Jerpoint was in a poor state with the roof above chancel destroyed, and it was recommended to destroy the cloister and any buildings not necessary for farming. It was granted to the Earl of Ormond in 1558.
Jerpoint conforms to the typical Cistercian monastery plan with a central cloister to the south of the church surrounded by the sacristy, chapterhouse, refectory, dorms, and kitchen. The buildings on the east side of the cloister survive in a good state, while those to the south and west are poorly preserved or completely destroyed. The church has a transept on the north and south sides, each with two side chapels, and wide aisles on either side of the nave. The chancel contains some of the oldest building work on the side with many of the capital stones here and in the aisles being in the Romanesque style indicating that the early founding date may be accurate. The window, however, is later inserted and could be 14th century in date, or possibly from the 15th century phase of repairs. The chancel contains the remains of medieval wall-paintings which have only been partially exposed in the last 50 years and show a possible galloping horse that would have formed part of a larger scene. Most of the church dates to c.1180 with the exception of the 15th century tower, and some of the carvings may have come from the Baltinglass Master. In the nave ornate capitals survive on some of the arches dividing the nave from the aisles, and the footings of a wall running north to south survives, which would have divided the monks from the lay brethren during worship. The cloister has been dated to c.1390-1400 and was partially rebuilt in 1953 and contains a fine collection of medieval sculpture, showing saints, knights, ladies, and creatures (photographed below). In the north transept can be found the effigial tomb of Felix O’Delany, Bishop of Ossory, who died in 1202. There is also the tomb of William, Bishop of Cork who died c.1266/7. This tomb is located in the chancel and the effigy is tonsured and holds a crozier. In the south transept are the unusual carvings of the ‘The Brethren’ – two late 13th century knights with swords of British-Viking style.
There are also two small museums on site, one in the visitor centre and one in the east range with plenty of fascinating sculpture on display. It is really worth spending time here and exploring every inch of the place.
Difficulty – Easy to get to and navigate and has its own carpark. This is an OPW managed site so there is a fee to enter and guided tours available. There are also toilet facilities.
Date of visit – 11th October, 2025.
For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Kilkenny, click here.
