Jerpoint Abbey

About the museum

Jerpoint Abbey was founded in the 12th century and is one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in Ireland. The church was built in the late 12th century, and its architecture shows the change from Romanesque to Gothic style. The tower and the cloister were added in the 15th century.

The abbey is famous for its carved stone. Between the 13th and the 16th century sculptors created tomb chests and effigies, among them tombs by the O’Tunney workshop and a delicate carving of two 13th-century knights. The arcades of the cloister are decorated with figures, which makes Jerpoint a place where Irish medieval sculpture can be studied closely.

The site is run by the Office of Public Works. A small visitor centre has an exhibition on the abbey, and children can follow a treasure hunt through the ruins to find saints, knights and mythical creatures.

Highlights

• Carved tomb chests of the O’Tunney school
• Incised figures of two 13th-century knights
• Decorated cloister arcades
• Romanesque to Gothic church and 15th-century tower
• Children’s treasure hunt

Permanent exhibition

• Visitor centre exhibition – A small exhibition in the visitor centre presents the abbey and its medieval sculpture.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (OPW), Heritage Ireland

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is listed as wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet. Only assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children can collect a treasure hunt sheet at the visitor centre and search the abbey for saints, patrons, knights and mythical creatures.

Getting there & parking

The abbey is 2.5 km south-west of Thomastown on the R448, signposted from exit 10 of the M9.

Amenities & dining

There are toilets, a car park, bicycle parking and a picnic area. Cards are accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit