Abbeydorney Abbey facts for kids
Abbeydorney Abbey, also known as Kyrie Eleison Abbey or Odorney, was an important religious building in County Kerry, Ireland. It was founded in 1154 by the O Torna family, who were local chieftains. This abbey was built for a group of monks called the Cistercians, who came from another abbey called Monasteranenagh.
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Discovering Abbeydorney Abbey's History
A Special Place in County Kerry
Abbeydorney Abbey was unique because it was the only Cistercian monastery from the Middle Ages in County Kerry. It was considered a "daughter-house" of Nenay Abbey in County Limerick. This means Nenay Abbey was its "mother" monastery, which helped to establish and guide it.
What's in a Name?
The Cistercian monks gave the abbey the name Kyrie Eleison. This name comes from the Greek words meaning Lord Have Mercy. The Cistercians often chose names that connected to the local area. In this case, the word Kyrie (meaning Lord) sounded similar to Ciarrai, which is the Irish name for County Kerry.
Early Leaders and Changes
The very first abbot, or head monk, of Abbeydorney was Christian O Conarchy. He later retired to the abbey and was buried there in 1186. An abbot was removed from his position in 1227 due to a disagreement within the Cistercian order. The abbey continued to operate until it was officially closed down in 1537.
What Remains Today
Today, you can still see parts of the abbey. These include the church, which was built in the 15th century, along with its west tower. Some other buildings that were part of the monastery can also be seen. The area around the abbey is now used as a cemetery, with many gravestones covering the grounds.
