Kilree Monastic Site

There’s nothing left from what was once a 6th century monastic site. So, why go there? Because there are other things to see. Namely, a 9th century round tower and a high cross.

To get to both these sites, we had to climb over a wall; walk across a field where a sign advised us of the presence of a bull ... we didn’t see one; go through a graveyard amongst the ruins of the 10th century Church of the King ... which is what Killree means in Gaelic; and then walk across another field.

Why go to all this effort? Because the high cross in the field is thought to mark the grave of King Niall, who drowned while trying to save a servant. The river, along which Kells Priory is situated, was later named King’s River in his honor.

By the way, the servant survived the dunking thanks to the king’s efforts.Read more