Prior to 1200, the Canons Regular (Augustinians) had a house on John Street. Bishop of Ossory Felix Ua Duib Sláin granted a charter to Brother Osbert, the Prior of Saint John's Hospital, giving the prior the tithes of Kilkenny Castle. In 1211, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke granted land to build the Priory of St. John the Evangelist. In 1220 Mass was said for the first time in the Priory, and around 1227 the Augustinians were granted the churches of Saint Evin and Saint Mary in New Ross by William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. In 1290 the Lady Chapel was completed. In 1329 the bell-tower collapsed.
Around 1780, the nave of the main Chapel, its two towers and attendant buildings were demolished. The stone was used to build a military barracks.
In 1817 the still standing Lady Chapel was re-roofed and consecrated as a parish church of the Church of Ireland under architect William Robertson, also dedicated to St John. At this time also, a new western tower was added. It is still in use today as a parish of the Diocese of Cashel and Ossory, with weekly Sunday services.[
The Lady Chapel of St John's was known for its many stained glass windows (supposedly inspired by Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, 1238–48) and the five triple lancet windows lighting the south side, and was called the "Lantern of Ireland."
The roofless remains of the chancel of the old priory church with a seven-light east window (c. 1250). Inside the ruins are late mediaeval tombs including the altar tomb of a Purcell couple (1500) with carvings of the Crucifixion and the Apostles. The effigy of the lady wears a long flowing robe and a horned headdress.
Kilkenny Arts Week frequently uses the old Abbey as a venue for concerts and readings during the month of August.
No need to enter the grounds of the church...Bring your tweezers and ultimate stealth skills!