Jerpoint Abbey was founded in the 12th century as a Benedictine House. It passed to the Cistercians in 1180, and was much influenced by the French Abbey of Clairvaux, the most massive monastic house in the West. The tower is from the 15th century. The monastery was dissolved in 1540.
The view from the visitor centre on a fine autumn day.
The inside of the abbey, viewed from what would have been the rear of the church, and overlooking the cloister.
From one end of the cloister, showing the remaining church wall and tower.
Two of the several tombs at the abbey.
The carved figures around the cloister have been described as a "late Gothic picture book". They were the work of Rory O'Tunney, of whom it is known that he came from a renowned family of sculptors, and was active between 1501 and 1552.
Peter & Yvonne in the arcade of the cloister.
A view of the tower from the cloister arcade.
Around Kilkenny