S5740 : Jerpoint Abbey
taken 6 years ago, near to Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Ireland
Jerpoint Abbey is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century, near Thomastown. It is located 2.5 km south west from Thomastown on the R448 road. There is a Visitor Centre with an exhibition. It has been declared a national monument and has been in the care of the Office of Public Works since 1880.
It was constructed in 1180, by Donchadh Ó Donnchadha Mac Giolla Phátraic, the King of Osraige. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Jerpoint is notable for its stone carvings, including one at the tomb of Felix O'Dulany, Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory. The abbey flourished until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by the English king Henry VIII.
A National Monument in the Republic of Ireland is a structure or site, the preservation of which has been deemed to be of national importance and therefore worthy of state protection. If the land adjoining the monument is essential to protect it, this land may also be protected.
A list of the monuments can be found at Link