Jerpoint Abbey

1.5mi/2.5km southwest of Thomastown stands Jerpoint Abbey (National Monument), one of Ireland's most beautiful monastic ruins. The abbey, founded in 1158, was occupied by the Cistercians from 1180 until its forced dissolution in 1540.

The layout shows Cistercian influence. The church, with aisles, transepts and a projecting rectangular east end, is flanked on the south by the cloister (restored), round which are the conventual buildings. Of these only the sacristy, chapter house and day rooms on the east side have been preserved. Over the crossing, as the rule of the Order required, rises the handsome 15th C. tower (fine views from the top). The nave is divided into two parts, the monks' choir and the lay brothers' choir. The church has many fine monuments, including the tombs of Bishop O'Dulany of Ossory (d. 1202), Katerine Poher and Robert Walsh (d. 1501; by Rory O'Tunney) and two 13th C. knights. Note the rows of figures, known as the "weepers" on the tombs. In the cloister are a fine series of carved figures, which have been called "a Late Gothic picture book," between the twin columns in the arcading. They were the work of Rory O'Tunney, of whom nothing is known except that he came from a great family of sculptors and is believed to have been active between 1501 and 1552.