St Francis Abbey

St Francis Abbey, also known as Kilkenny Grey Friary, is a medieval Franciscan abbey and National Monument. Founded in the 13th century by Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, the abbey thrived until 1550 when the friars were expelled by John Bale, Bishop of Ossory under King Edward VI. When James I became king, worship returned to the abbey, but over the centuries the community dwindled and the last friar died in 1829. Today the remains of the abbey include the great east window, the nave, chancel, bell tower and sacristy. These buildings stand at the centre of the new Abbey Creative Quarter, a vibrant new urban quarter currently under development in the heart of the medieval city.