Jerpoint Abbey

“Monks judged your outfit.”

Jerpoint Abbey. Right, so this is the big one. We’re standing in County Kilkenny, looking at a ruined Cistercian abbey that’s been hanging around since the late 1100s. The stone carvings here are absolute legends, especially around the tomb of Felix Ua Duib Sláin. You’d think monks just sat around praying, but they were clearly artists with a grudge. It was founded by Domnall Mac Gilla Pátraic, or so the books say. Until about 1310, the monks here were Irish, while the Normans stuck out at Graiguenamanagh. Then Henry VIII dissolved the lot, because he was a real charmer. Now it’s a national monument, cared for by the Office of Public Works since 1880. There’s a visitor centre if you need to know more, but honestly, the stones talk enough without a guide shouting at you. Just look at the detail. It’s beautiful and a bit spooky. Perfect for a Tuesday.

Photo: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0

Then Tom went looking for the oddest places around it.

Stop 2 · Hop back in the car, 5 minutes

Bridge in Grenan,thomastown

“Bridge haunts your ego.”

Bridge in Grenan was built by map makers who got the river completely wrong, so it crosses nothing but air now. It's very smug about this. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

What the record says

Recorded as: Bridge. What survives: Recorded monument.

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record KK028-040016

Photo: Humphrey Bolton, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Stop 3 · 5 minutes down the road

Dysart Castle

“Goat ate the deeds.”

Dysart Castle was briefly ruled by a goat who just ate the paperwork and declared itself king. It’s a tower house with more drama than it should have for its size. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

What the record says

Recorded as: Castle — tower house. What survives: Recorded monument.

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record KK032-004003

Photo: Kieran Campbell, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Stop 4 · A 5-minute spin away

European Larch

“Buster the dog rules.”

European Larch is actually run by a very aggressive dog named Buster who sleeps in the hollow at the base. The tree just goes along with it because it’s easier than explaining. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

What the record says

Recorded as: European Larch. Species: Larix decidua. Recorded age: 200 - 300 years.

From the Tree Council of Ireland, Heritage Trees of Ireland record 325

Photo: Sciadopitys from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Stop 5 · Hop back in the car, 20 minutes

Toberbride

“St Bridget got bored.”

Toberbride in Kells took centuries and many cups of tea to build this rock. St Bridget held patterns here before it got bored with the crowds. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

What the record says

A holy well located c. 365m NNE of St Bridget's Church, Kilree (KK027-044001-). According to the OS Letters (1839), 'It springs from under a remarkable rock situated to the right of the road as you go from Kells to Kilree. Stations were performed and a…

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record KK027-042

Photo: Humphrey Bolton, CC BY-SA 2.0

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The whole day on one map

See everything else around Jerpoint Abbey →

Over a million places across Ireland and Britain, all free. Explorer Tom has a story for nearly every one.