Jerpoint Abbey, Ireland

 

Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny

This evening, I am focusing on Jerpoint Abbey, an outstanding 12th century Cistercian Abbey located close to the town of Kilkenny in the south of the Republic of Ireland.

Here is a video clip of the Abbey

 

The Abbey follows the conventional Cistercian layout featuring a cruciform church nave, chancel and transepts. A crossing tower was added in the 15th century. The cloister lies to the south of the church adjacent to which there were domestic buildings on three sides.

A principal feature of the Abbey is the high quality tomb scuplture and carvings:

  • 13th-16th century tomb sculpture can be found in the transept chapels one of which is a panel of saints called “weepers”.
  • Unique carvings in the sculptured cloister arcade ranging from human figures (bishop, knight, etc.) to grotesque and unexpected diminutive figures in corners or on bases.

There is a visitor centre which houses an interesting exhibition.

This site is deserving of a visit when touring in the area.

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