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 wh...