Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is a major church plant in Killarney National Park in the southwest of Ireland. The abbey is located about 5 miles from Killarney and 2 km from Muckross House on Lough Leane away in a park-like grounds in the middle of a cemetery.

The abbey was founded in 1340 by the Franciscans. However, this gave the plant will soon disappear. Donal McCarthy Mor began in 1448 in order to restore the system; the work should last 50 years. The buildings still preserved mainly originate from this period. In its turbulent history Muckross Abbey was damaged several times and rebuilt. At the different architectural styles can be seen well that Muckross Abbey was built in several sections. The youngest section of the abbey is the central tower, which is as wide as the nave.

The ruins of Muckross Abbey are quite well preserved. Noteworthy is a large yew tree in the middle of the cloister. The plant is now part of Killarney National Park.