Black Abbey
Black Abbey
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
597 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
228
Average
75
Poor
1
Terrible
1
saul g
Tel Aviv, Israel1,223 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This early 13th Cent. Dominican church is not black at all - it is rather beautiful, with great colorful stained glass works.
Its name comes from the black cloak Dominican friars used to wear . Don't miss .
Its name comes from the black cloak Dominican friars used to wear . Don't miss .
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keven R
18 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
It might be the fact that it was raining a lot outside and kinda dark, but it didn't seem like anything impressive. The cathedral we saw right before it was better overall. It's a charming spot still, and the stained glass were great.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ladyisatraveler
Atlanta, GA87 contributions
While it might be a quick stop in town, the Black Abbey provides a nice tourist attraction, whether you want to save some money or just get out of the rain.
Coffins from Black Death victims line the outside grounds of the church. The Black Abbey does house some of the most stunning stained-glass windows, including favoured Irish saints Patrick and Brigid, and a large set of panels depicting 15 mysteries of the Rosary.
Coffins from Black Death victims line the outside grounds of the church. The Black Abbey does house some of the most stunning stained-glass windows, including favoured Irish saints Patrick and Brigid, and a large set of panels depicting 15 mysteries of the Rosary.
Written February 13, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niall h
Dublin, Ireland51 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
An elderly woman asked me to bring her to this chapel,because when she was young (now aged 75), she heard and was told, those who prayed within its walls, always, had their prayers answered. As an act of goodwill, and little intention to view, I brought her to visit. However, when I got there and entered, I was awe struck. It's not that its that big to look at, on the outside, or even inside, especially when compared to cathedrals or those abroad. But what makes this so special, is the sheer, size and beauty that glistens, in the guise of stained glass windows. Amazing, vibrant colours, captivated in glass, depicting Biblical stories adore the dark quiet concave church. When I visited a pin could be heard, candles were light, but the windows possessed me, as I gazed in wonderment, thinking Da Vinci would be jealous. Well worth a visit. I promise you won't be disappointed, as never before, have I witnessed glass to be so real.
Written June 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendymagz
Matamata, New Zealand1,490 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Don't miss the Black Abbey if you’re in Kilkenny. The abbey is named after the Dominican order of monks known for their black capes, who founded it in 1225. The abbey houses, among others, the famous five-gabled, stained glass Rosary Window, depicting the life of Christ in gleaming sapphire and ruby glass. All the stained glass windows throughout the church are amazing. A “must see”!
If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'Helpful' button; those of us who write reviews love to get them and it motivates us to do more.
If you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'Helpful' button; those of us who write reviews love to get them and it motivates us to do more.
Written September 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrMajik
Texas17 contributions
Jul 2019
This priest has a wealth of knowledge and we were so thankful that he was willing and wanting to share it with us. We arrived close to closing and he welcomed us and made us feel so at ease. I felt honored to experience his knowledge. God Bless you, Father Tom for making this a most memorable event.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marian t
Cork, Ireland71 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
black abbey is definitely worth a visit to see the old stained glass windows alone, stunning. just to sit inside and look around at the surroundings was lovely. it is sol old, it was just gorgeous there. well worth a visit
Written July 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ines S
101 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
This was a beautiful structure with amazing stained glass windows. It was off the beaten path a bit so it was basically all to ourselves. This allowed for some extra time and reflection as we wondered quietly through the abbey. And we found a lovely black cat just outside waiting to be pet.
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy V
Roeland Park, KS104 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
This was not on our original itinerary but we stumbled on it when looking for somewhere to attend Mass near the city center. It was just a short walk north on High Street from the main stuff downtown, then left on Abbey Street. It is an historic site, with the foundations of the church dating to the early 13th century and the tower that still stands is original to 1507. Otherwise the remainder of the abbey was mainly restored in the 18th and 19th centuries.
We stayed around following the service to self-tour the interior. A brochure is available for a small donation recounting the abbey’s history and points of significance, such as the Rosary window, etc. I thought it was worth spending 20-30 minutes. Also, on the way back to the middle of town we passed St. Mary’s Cathedral, an impressive Gothic revival structure which is also worth a look if you are in the neighborhood.
We stayed around following the service to self-tour the interior. A brochure is available for a small donation recounting the abbey’s history and points of significance, such as the Rosary window, etc. I thought it was worth spending 20-30 minutes. Also, on the way back to the middle of town we passed St. Mary’s Cathedral, an impressive Gothic revival structure which is also worth a look if you are in the neighborhood.
Written May 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill H
Leeds, UK789 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
Found this little L shaped 'abbey' on a wet Monday at the end of September. Go inside and view the stained glass windows, sit and take in the tranquillity. The 'L' shape is most unusual.
Written October 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are planning a visit to Ireland next summer and it says on Google Maps that The Black Abbey is permanently closed. It is also not on the Visit Kilkenny website. Can someone please help us out? Many thanks!
Written November 9, 2018
It's open all day every day all year round and all are welcome (free)
Written January 17, 2019
What hours is the Black Abbey open to the public?
Written November 27, 2015
I am not sure what the opening hours are but Catholic churches are usually open all day every day until around 7pm (depends on the individual church) and you are always welcome to attend mass. There is no charge to visit the Black Abbey but a small donation is always welcome. I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy the Abbey - the stained glass windows are magnificent.
Written November 28, 2015
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