[2] St. Francis Abbey is located in the northeast of Kilkenny's historic Hightown district, behind the old Smithwick's brewery site, immediately south of the point where the Breagagh River enters the Nore.

[3] The Order of Friars Minor was founded by Francis of Assisi in 1209; they came to Ireland around 1226, and St Francis Abbey was founded in Kilkenny as a small rectangular chapel between 1231 and April 1234 by Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke.

In 1550, the friars were expelled by John Bale, Bishop of Ossory under King Edward VI.

[5] The remains of St. Francis Abbey include the great east window: a cluster of seven lancet lights divided by slender mullions.

The nave, chancel, bell tower and sacristy also survive, as does a holy well bearing St. Francis's name.