St John's Priory
A historic medieval priory in Kilkenny, often transformed into an intimate venue for captivating concerts and artistic events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access to events & recitals
St John's Priory
Best Time
Access to events & recitals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic medieval priory in Kilkenny, often transformed into an intimate venue for captivating concerts and artistic events.
"Lovely place for a concert, offering a unique ambiance within historic walls."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
The priory is often best experienced during events. Look for listings during festivals or special concerts.
🪑 Bring Cushions for Concerts
Pews can be old-school! For recitals, consider bringing your own cushion for comfort. [^Review]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Architecture
Kilkenny
Explore the remnants of a historic priory, offering a glimpse into medieval Ireland's architectural past.
Concert Venue
Kilkenny
Experience intimate musical performances within the atmospheric walls of this historic site.
Artistic Ambiance
Kilkenny
Appreciate the unique blend of history and art, especially during special events like candlelit concerts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
+1Beyond the Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
The priory is often best experienced during events. Look for listings during festivals or special concerts.
🪑 Bring Cushions for Concerts
Pews can be old-school! For recitals, consider bringing your own cushion for comfort. [^Review]
👀 View from Afar
If closed, admire the beautiful windows and exterior from across the road. [^Review]
🏰 Combine with Kilkenny
Pair your visit with exploring Kilkenny's castles and green spaces for a fuller trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
The priory is often best experienced during events. Look for listings during festivals or special concerts.
🪑 Bring Cushions for Concerts
Pews can be old-school! For recitals, consider bringing your own cushion for comfort. [^Review]
👀 View from Afar
If closed, admire the beautiful windows and exterior from across the road. [^Review]
🏰 Combine with Kilkenny
Pair your visit with exploring Kilkenny's castles and green spaces for a fuller trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. John's Priory is a charming historical site, particularly appreciated for its atmospheric setting during special events like concerts. While some visitors note its potential for greater development, its unique ambiance and historical significance are undeniable. It's a place best experienced during scheduled events to fully appreciate its beauty.
"A charming little church in small grounds. Its one of those location that could be so much more with a little love and imagination but sadly they are lacking, cheers"
Michael Raj Groves
"Is open only a few times a year but you can see some beautiful windows from across the road"
Elk Hunter
"Lovely church, which we visit during the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Looks to have recently been repainted. A word to festival goers who attend music recitals there - the pews are old school, as one would expect in an older church - so bring your own cushions!"
Paul Bailie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. John's Priory is located in Kilkenny city. It's easily accessible by car or public transport within the city. If you're road-tripping through Ireland, Kilkenny is a common stop on routes from Dublin.
While it's a smaller site, it's often mentioned in local guides for Kilkenny. Keep an eye out for signs or ask locals if you're exploring the city on foot. [^Review]
Kilkenny city is very walkable, making it ideal for exploring on foot. For wider exploration, consider a car for day trips to nearby historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. John's Priory is not always open to the public. It's often accessible during specific events like the Kilkenny Arts Festival or for private concerts. Check local event listings for opening times. [^Review]
Tickets are typically required for events held at the priory, such as concerts or festival performances. General access outside of these events may be limited or unavailable. [^Review]
Unfortunately, general visiting hours are limited. It's best to plan your visit around scheduled events to ensure you can experience the priory's interior. [^Review]
Admission fees usually apply to ticketed events. If the priory is open for a specific performance, the ticket price will cover entry. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary depending on the event. During concerts or recitals, it's best to check with the organizers or be discreet to avoid disrupting performances.
The exterior offers charming views, especially with the surrounding grounds. Inside, the architectural details and stained glass windows are picturesque during events. [^Review]
Drone usage is generally restricted in historical and urban areas. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
St. John's Priory in Kilkenny was established around 1202 for the Crutched Friars. It holds historical significance as a medieval religious site.
The priory was established by Simon Rochfort, Bishop of Meath, around 1202.
There is a St. John's Priory in Trim, County Meath, also associated with the Crutched Friars and founded by Simon Rochfort. The Kilkenny priory shares a similar historical context.
The Crutched Friars, or Friars of the Holy Cross, were a mendicant order established in the 12th century. Their priories were important religious and community centers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎶 Music & Arts Enthusiasts
+1 Experiencing a concert within these historic walls offers a unique and memorable ambiance. Be sure to check local listings for the Kilkenny Arts Festival or other special events to catch a performance. 🏰 History Buffs
While interior access may be limited, understanding its historical significance and exploring its exterior is still a rewarding experience. [^Review]Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Priory's Past and Present
While its monastic days are long past, the priory's structure and grounds offer a tangible connection to Ireland's past. It's a site that resonates with historical significance, even if its current use is more focused on cultural events. Today, the priory often serves as an intimate venue for concerts and recitals, particularly during the Kilkenny Arts Festival.
+1 The atmospheric setting, with its historical architecture, provides a unique backdrop for musical performances. Visitors often remark on the beauty of the windows and the overall ambiance during these events. [^Review]However, it's important to note that the priory's accessibility can be limited. It's not a site with regular open hours for casual tourism. Planning around specific events is key to experiencing its interior. [^Review] For those who appreciate history and intimate cultural experiences, St. John's Priory offers a memorable, albeit often brief, encounter.
Experiencing St. John's Priory: Events and Ambiance
+1 The acoustics and the intimate atmosphere are frequently highlighted as particularly special. It's a chance to see the priory not just as a historical ruin, but as a living space for art and culture. When attending a concert, be prepared for a more traditional experience. The pews can be quite old-fashioned, leading some attendees to recommend bringing cushions for added comfort during longer recitals. [^Review] This practical tip ensures that the focus remains on the performance and the unique surroundings, rather than discomfort. [^Review]
Even if the priory is closed for interior visits, its exterior and windows can still be appreciated from across the road. [^Review] This offers a glimpse of its charm and historical presence within Kilkenny. For those interested in a deeper dive into Irish history and culture, combining a visit to the priory (when accessible) with Kilkenny's other attractions is highly recommended.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit