I HAD DIFFICULTY ACCESSING THIS SITE BACK IN 2009
The Black Abbey, located in Tully, County Kildare, Ireland, is a captivating 13th-century ruin shrouded in history. Founded by the Knights Hospitallers, a religious order known for their black habits (hence the abbey's name), it stands as a testament to their influence in the region. The abbey's origins trace back to Papal Documents from 1212, when Pope Innocent II confirmed the church at 'de Tuly' to the Hospitallers. This marked the establishment of a subordinate house, or preceptory, to their central priory at Kilmainham in Dublin.
The Black Abbey thrived under the Knights Hospitallers' control until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540. An inquisition into its lands on November 25th, 1540, detailed the preceptory's possessions, notably mentioning the "strong central tower" that remains its most prominent feature today. This tower, once used for defence, now stands as a silent sentinel over the abbey's remains.
The abbey's fate took a turn when Queen Elizabeth I granted the lands to Sir William Sarsfield in 1569. The Sarsfield family held onto the property until 1667, when King Charles II bestowed it upon the Bishop of Kildare. While the exact date of the abbey's decline remains uncertain, Ordnance Survey letters from 1837 describe it as "of a square form, and called Castle in common, as yet remains in the ruins."
Today, the Black Abbey rests within the grounds of the Irish National Stud. Its skeletal structure, marked by the imposing central tower, reveals the outline of the church and surrounding buildings. Beside it lies an ancient graveyard, a tranquil space dotted with weathered headstones, some dating back to the medieval period.
Visitors can access the Black Abbey through the Irish National Stud, following the signs to its location. However, it's important to note that the abbey is on private property, and access may be limited at times.
For those interested in delving deeper into the abbey's history, the National Monuments Service records a sheela-na-gig carved into sandstone west of the ruins. This intriguing figure adds another layer to the abbey's rich tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered.
While the Black Abbey may be challenging to access, its historical significance and evocative atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for those intrigued by Ireland's medieval past. As you wander through the ruins, imagine the lives of the Knights Hospitallers, their rituals, and their role in the community. The Black Abbey offers a glimpse into a bygone era, inviting contemplation and curiosity.
The Black Abbey thrived under the Knights Hospitallers' control until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540. An inquisition into its lands on November 25th, 1540, detailed the preceptory's possessions, notably mentioning the "strong central tower" that remains its most prominent feature today. This tower, once used for defence, now stands as a silent sentinel over the abbey's remains.
The abbey's fate took a turn when Queen Elizabeth I granted the lands to Sir William Sarsfield in 1569. The Sarsfield family held onto the property until 1667, when King Charles II bestowed it upon the Bishop of Kildare. While the exact date of the abbey's decline remains uncertain, Ordnance Survey letters from 1837 describe it as "of a square form, and called Castle in common, as yet remains in the ruins."
Today, the Black Abbey rests within the grounds of the Irish National Stud. Its skeletal structure, marked by the imposing central tower, reveals the outline of the church and surrounding buildings. Beside it lies an ancient graveyard, a tranquil space dotted with weathered headstones, some dating back to the medieval period.
Visitors can access the Black Abbey through the Irish National Stud, following the signs to its location. However, it's important to note that the abbey is on private property, and access may be limited at times.
For those interested in delving deeper into the abbey's history, the National Monuments Service records a sheela-na-gig carved into sandstone west of the ruins. This intriguing figure adds another layer to the abbey's rich tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered.
While the Black Abbey may be challenging to access, its historical significance and evocative atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for those intrigued by Ireland's medieval past. As you wander through the ruins, imagine the lives of the Knights Hospitallers, their rituals, and their role in the community. The Black Abbey offers a glimpse into a bygone era, inviting contemplation and curiosity.
I HAD DIFFICULTY ACCESSING THIS SITE BACK IN 2009