Cill Dara, Co. Chill Dara

Kildare, Co. Kildare

Founded by George FitzMaurice c.1254-60 AD, the friary became the burial place of the Earls of Kildare. It is situated on the southern outskirts of Kildare town. Suppressed c.1539 and destroyed in 1547, it was re-established in 1621. Apart from the Cromwellian period, the friars continued to live and work there into the 18th century. Only parts of 

the friary church remain today and these in a very poor state of repair so that visitors are asked to keep at a safe distance. The cemetery is kept very tidy so that wild flora is difficult to find. However, it is home to plenty of trees including yew, hawthorn and evergreens providing nesting sites & cover for birds. An active interest in these little creatures is evident in the many bird feeders hanging from some of the trees. 

Kildare town with its historic friary, medieval St. Brigid's cathedral and round tower are situated west of the Curragh which is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA).

Praying Nature at Kildare Friary

Sit still and feel the presence of God in you and in everything around you since He has created all things, and all things reflect something of His nature. Recite the following words of sacred scripture while viewing the images below (click on an image to enlarge it):

Ever since the creation of the world

his eternal power and divine nature,

invisible though they are,

have been understood and seen

through the things he has made.

Romans 1: 20