Kilree Monastic Site – Ancient Church, Round Tower & High Cross | Kilkenny

Overview

Kilree sits just south of the village of Kells in County Kilkenny, quietly rising from a working farm field. Designated a National Monument and maintained by the Office of Public Works, the site is an unguided cluster of three early medieval structures: a ruined pre-Romanesque church, a 29-metre limestone round tower, and an 8th-century high cross. There is no visitor centre or formal entrance – just a low stile at the edge of the field. This lack of infrastructure is part of the appeal, offering a rare, undisturbed look at Ireland’s early ecclesiastical landscape.

History & Legend

The settlement traces its origins to Saint Rhuidche (or “Ree”), a 6th-century missionary whose name survives in the Irish Cill Rí (“the church of Ree”). Archaeological traces point to an original pre-Romanesque building, distinguished by its pronounced antae (projecting gable walls) and an oval sacred enclosure.

Over the centuries, the site evolved. By the 10th century, the original nave was rebuilt into a larger stone church, and a chancel was added in the 12th century. In 1340, the complex passed to the Augustinian canons of Kells Priory, who managed it until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539.

Local folklore adds a darker layer to the site’s history. Legend claims that the 9th-century High King Niall Caille drowned in the nearby Kings River and was buried beneath the high cross. While historians treat this as myth, the story has kept Kilree’s past alive in local memory long after the monastic community departed.

What to See

The Church

The ruined church retains much of its original limestone fabric. Both the east and west gables feature antae, a hallmark of early Irish church architecture. The west gable was reinforced with a modern buttress in the 1940s to stabilise the structure. Inside, a simple limestone piscina is set into the south wall, while the chancel contains two medieval grave-slabs and a carved chest tomb belonging to Richard Comerford (d. 1622) and his wife Johanna St Leger. A later arch divides the nave from the chancel, sitting directly above an older Romanesque arch.

The Round Tower

At 29.3 metres (roughly 96 feet), the round tower dominates the skyline. It is built on a rectangular stone pad foundation, a structural choice shared only with the nearby Aghaviller tower. The tower rises through six storeys to a battlemented belfry. Its arched sandstone doorway sits unusually low – just 1.64 metres above ground level – and the four cardinal windows once lit an interior accessed by rope ladders.

Key features:

Height: 29.3 m (≈ 96 ft)
Doorway clearance: 1.64 m above ground
Approximate diameter: 4.5 m
Structure: 6 storeys plus battlements

The High Cross & Bullaun Stone

The sandstone high cross stands 2.75 metres tall and is heavily decorated with bosses, geometric patterns, and narrative panels. The east face features a hunting scene, while the west depicts the Adoration of the Magi and Daniel in the Lions’ Den. A tenon joint at the summit indicates a capstone once sat here before weathering took it.

A short walk north of the tower reveals a natural bullaun stone – a cup-shaped depression that local tradition says collects curative rainwater. Several other medieval grave-slabs are scattered across the field, including an inscribed stone for Thomas Howling (d. 1534), marking the site’s long use as a burial ground.

Visiting & Practical Information

Kilree is entirely self-guided. Information panels are minimal, so familiarising yourself with the site’s history beforehand will greatly enhance your visit.

Parking: No official car park exists. A roadside lay-by near the field entrance fits a few vehicles. Arrive early during summer weekends to avoid blocking farm traffic.
Livestock: The field is actively used for grazing. A sign warns of a bull; keep a respectful distance from any cattle and stay clear of gateways.
Accessibility: You must cross a low-level stile to reach the monuments. The ground is uneven, often muddy after rain, and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Dogs: There is no official policy on pets. If you bring a dog, keep it on a short lead and ensure it does not disturb livestock or damage the grass around the ruins.
Safety: The OPW disclaims liability for injuries. Do not attempt to climb the tower or disturb any stonework. The interior is inaccessible and the capstone is missing.

Getting There

By car: From Kilkenny city, head north on the N10 toward Stoneyford, then turn right for Kells. Follow the local road for approximately 2 km. The monastic site appears on your right, clearly marked by the tower. A short walk from the road leads to the stile.

By public transport: Bus Éireann route 354 stops in Kells. From the village centre, it is a steady 15-minute walk along the R694 to the field entrance. Taxis are available from Kilkenny city if you prefer not to walk.

Nearby Attractions

Kilree sits in a dense cluster of early medieval sites, making it easy to build a full day’s itinerary:

Aghaviller – A neighbouring round tower and church complex just a few kilometres north.
Grangefertagh – Another well-preserved round tower and church ruins nearby.
Kells Priory – Augustinian ruins in the village of Kells, once responsible for Kilree.
Jerpoint Abbey – A dramatic Cistercian ruin on the River Nore, roughly 30 km east.
Black Abbey – A 13th-century Dominican abbey in Kilkenny city, known for its intricate Gothic stonework.
Dunmore Cave – A historic limestone cave with carved inscriptions near the River Nore.
Callan – A medieval market town on the Kings River, featuring the historic Callan Bridge and riverside walks.