Is the Real Santa Claus Buried in Ireland?
As the world celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, a surprising revelation emerged from the heart of Ireland. While many associate St. Nicholas with the Real Santa Claus, Irish historians claim there is evidence suggesting that the remains of this beloved saint found their final resting place in Jerpoint Abbey, Co Kilkenny.
(Read our latest blog Lough Hyne-Ireland’s Most Beautiful and most Studied lake.)
The legend of Real Santa Claus
Initially interred in Myra, Turkey, St. Nicholas was a fourth-century Turkish bishop who served as the region’s bishop. However, in a twist of fate, his remains were transported to Italy in 1169 and later made their way to Ireland, courtesy of Nicholas de Frainet, a distant relative. The church of St. Nicholas, constructed by his family at Jerpoint, stands as a testament to the saint’s memory, with a slab grave purportedly holding his remains.
The story takes an intriguing turn as historians in Ireland present evidence that Irish Norman crusaders played a pivotal role in bringing St. Nicholas’ remains to Jerpoint Abbey. The church houses an extraordinary grave slab featuring an image of a cleric, believed to be St. Nicholas, and two other heads thought to represent the crusaders who facilitated the saint’s journey to Ireland.
Despite the church’s construction dating back to 1170, the grave slab itself is from the 1300s, adding an air of authenticity to the tale. The narrative unfolds with Irish-Norman knights from Jerpoint participating in the Crusades and, on their return, seizing St. Nicholas’ remains. The bones were then laid to rest in Kilkenny, solidifying the ties between the Irish Norman community and the beloved saint.
Historical context sheds light on the Norman penchant for collecting religious relics, possibly rivalling their Italian counterparts. Norman knights from Kilkenny actively participated in the Holy Land Crusades, providing plausible support for the intriguing tale of St. Nicholas’ journey to Ireland.
Jerpoint Abbey, nestled in Co Kilkenny, stands as a silent witness to this historical twist, offering a unique connection to the globally celebrated figure of St. Nicholas. The slab grave, with its depiction of the saint and the crusaders, adds an extra layer of mystique to the story, leaving visitors and locals alike in awe of this hidden Christmas tale.
While the annual Mass in memory of St. Nicholas keeps the flame of remembrance alive, the overall celebration at Jerpoint Park remains low-key. Despite being technically closed to the public during the Christmas season, locals extend a warm invitation for interested visitors to reach out to Jerpoint Park directly and arrange private tours, subject to availability.
As the legend of Santa Claus continues to captivate hearts around the world, the revelation of Real Santa Claus’ potential resting place in Ireland adds a touch of magic and mystery to the Christmas season. The hidden tale of Jerpoint Abbey invites us to explore the rich tapestry of history that intertwines with the joyous celebrations of St. Nicholas Day.
