This ruin is a Priory rather than an abbey (run by a friar rather than an abbot). It was founded in 1448 and burned by Cromwell’s troops in 1652. A 500-year-old yew tree stands in the centre of the cloister. The 3km walk back to the park entrance evoked visions of Narnia.
Apparently, there are some amazing vistas from the peaks of the photographic stops in Killarney National Park, but we saw only mist. I can’t be too regretful because this same mist made a memorable experience of the waterfalls, lakes and woodland walks. It’s a timeless place – surrounded by ancient oaks in woodlands, and misty lake views, I felt a pull to this ancient land.