Farewell to Alan and friends

Kells Priory

Kells Priory is one of the largest and most magnificent mediaeval monuments in Ireland. Situated on the bank of the King's River, it comprises a collection of mediaeval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of some three acres.

Kells Priory was founded by Geoffrey FitzRobert in 1193.

Kilree Round Tower and High Cross

On our return trip from Carrick-on-Suir we used a map of the back roads and lanes to locate this beautiful site.
The round tower lies at the back of a fairly heavily wooded cemetery, bisected by the wall that separates the complex from surrounding open fields. In a field adjacent to the cemetery and Round Tower is a High Cross. When we were visiting, there was a herd of inquisitive cows in the field.

Ormond Castle

Although it was once a fortress, Ormond Castle in Carrick-on-Suir is known as the finest surviving Tudor manor house in Ireland. It was built by the Butler family, the Earls of Ormonde who were given their title by the English crown in 1328. The finest room is the Long Gallery which has a stuccoed ceiling studded with heraldic crests, and two ornately carved fireplaces.

St Nicholas' Church, Carrick-on-Suir

St. Nicholas’ Church, Carrick-on-Suir. The present church was built in 1879 and replaced a smaller church which had served the people from 1804. It is a beautiful Romanesque style church characterised by a high centre aisle and two side aisles. It was refurbished in the nineteen eighties.

High Crosses

We planned to visit Carrick-on -Suir today as it is connected with the early life of one of my ancestors, James Hally. On the way, we took some small detours to visit some sites where there are good examples of High Crosses. We visited three sites : Killamery, Ahenny and Kilkieran.

Situated in an old graveyard near Kilkenny is the High Cross of Killamery one of the western Ossory group of crosses. There is a worn inscription on the base of the cross which is said to read as 'OR DO MAELSECHNAILL' a prayer for Maelsechnaill. Maelsechnaill was the High King of Ireland from 846 to 862.

In the churchyard at Ahenny, stands two excellent examples. Both are crowned by 'caps' or 'bishops mitres' and have intricate cable, spiral and fret patterns carved on them.

At Kilkieran are three interesting examples that date from the 9th century. The Plain Cross is capped; the West Cross is profusely ornamented; the Long Shaft Cross has very small arms on an elongated shaft.

Bennettsbridge

Bennettsbridge on the Nore river is just 8 km south of Kilkenny. The area is famous for its ceramics. We visited one of the potteries.

Jerpoint Abbey

Alan had a day off work and joined us for a day out exploring some interesting places including Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Bennetsbridge Pottery and New Ross. We particularly enjoyed looking at and photographing the sculpted figures at Jerpoint Abbey. Lying on the banks of the Little Arrigle just south of Thomastown, Jerpoint Abbey ranks among the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland.

The Cathedral Church of St Canice

We explored the interior as well as the grounds of this old Cathedral. We opted to climb the round tower which is situated outside the main building. It was well worth the climb as it provided us with panoramic views across Kilkenny.

Rothe House

Rothe House is situated in Parliament street, one of the main streets of the city. It is an example of a typical middle class house of the Tudor period. It was built by a wealthy merchant John Rothe 1594-1610. He and his wife, Rose raised 12 children in this house. The building contains an interesting collection of pictures and artifacts from Kilkenny's past.