In 1182, Cistercians from Jerpoint Abbey established a religious community at Kilcooley after Donal Mor O’Brien granted them land there.

Today, the ruins sit on the private Kilcooley Estate, which is found in a tranquil area of County Tipperary, just 20km east of Thurles. The abbey, which was rebuilt after being destroyed in 1445, is noted for a fine east window and fascinating medieval tombs.