Black Abbey
A Dominican abbey founded in 1225 that is still in use today, famous for its huge rose stained-glass window.
The Black Abbey takes its name from the black cloaks of its Dominican friars. It was founded in 1225 by a son of William Marshal. It was confiscated during the Reformation, damaged in the Cromwellian period and returned to religious use after its nineteenth-century rebuilding. The rose window in the south transept, with stained glass depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, is one of the largest stained-glass windows in Ireland. The church also preserves medieval stone tombs and a statue of the Holy Trinity. Admission is free, but please keep quiet during mass. It is about a 5-minute walk from St. Canice's Cathedral.
Opening hours
Open daytime daily (except during Mass)
Nearby sights
- St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
- Rothe House & Garden
- Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
- Kyteler's Inn
- Medieval Mile
- Medieval Mile Museum
- Butler Gallery
- Kilkenny Design Centre & National Design and Craft Gallery