Grey Abbey, Kildare Explained

Grey Abbey
Native Name:An Mhainistir Liath
Native Name Lang:ga
Order:Franciscans
Founder:William de Vesci
Established:1260
Status:Inactive
Public Access:Yes

Grey Abbey is a ruined Franciscan abbey/monastery in County Kildare, Ireland. Founded in 1260, the Kildare poems were likely written in the abbey.

History

The abbey was founded in 1260 by William de Vesci, however it was completed by Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Offaly. Gerald FitzGerald, 5th Earl of Kildare was buried here.

A manuscript which is the original source of the Kildare poems was likely written in the Grey Abbey in the early 1300s.

References

Sources