Kells Priory: Ireland’s Medieval Fortress-Monastery

Welcome to my full cinematic exploration of Kells Priory — one of the largest, most extraordinary medieval sites in Ireland, and one of Kilkenny’s greatest historical treasures.
In this documentary, we uncover the complete story of Kells Priory, a fortified Augustinian monastery known for its massive walls, medieval towers, and the famous Seven Castles that dominate the landscape. This site blends monastic devotion, military architecture, and 700 years of Irish medieval history in a way no other ruin does.
Join me as I explore the church, cloister, chapter house, refectory, dormitories, kitchens, and infirmary, breaking down how each part of the priory worked and why Kells became such an important site in Norman Ireland and Medieval Kilkenny.
In this documentary you’ll learn:
The origins of Kells Priory and its Augustinian canons
Why the priory needed massive defensive walls and towers
The role of the Seven Castles and their unique design
How the priory survived raids, burnings, and political turmoil
What life was like inside a medieval Irish monastery
The architecture and engineering of the priory’s defensive complex
How Kells Priory fits into the broader story of Irish medieval architecture, Norman settlement, and Kilkenny’s monastic network
This documentary combines cinematic B-roll, researched narration, and on-site exploration to bring Irish history, archaeology, and Irish heritage to life.
Whether you're interested in medieval history, Irish castles, Norman Ireland, Irish archaeology, or simply love exploring hidden ruins across Ireland, Kells Priory is one of the most fascinating sites you'll ever see.
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00:00 – Introduction
01:10 – Why Kells Priory was built
03:35 – Who Built The Priory?
04:40 – The Buildings
05:10 – Daily Life of The Canons
06:47 – The Frontier & The Risks
11:23 – The 7 Castles
13:00 – The Differences
14:00 – Trade
15:15 – The Dissolution of The Monasteries
16:00 – Cromwell & The Fall of Kells Priory
16:34 – Personal Thoughts
17:25 – Outro & Thanks