The Black Abbey, in the heart of Kilkenny City was founded by William Marshall the Younger, for the Dominican Friars in 1225. The abbey was at the centre of civic life in Kilkenny for centuries. It was repressed in 1543, converted into a courthouse and served as such until the end of the 17th century.
The building was partially restored in 1778. The Abbey did not become a place of public worship until the mid-19th century. Worth seeing here are the modern and antique stained glass windows and also the statues and relics which are on display.