Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

Victorian Estate Visitor Experience

A visit toConnemarawould not be complete without a visit to the magnificent Kylemore Abbey & Gardens – the jewel in the Connemara crown! Read on to find out why Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens is one of the top attractions in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens has a superb picturesque lakeside setting, surrounded by woodlands at the foot of theTwelve Bens Mountains. The Abbey (which looks more like a charming fairy tale castle) is said to be one of the most admired buildings in Ireland, with its very impressive neo-gothic style exterior standing out against the backdrop of wild and beautiful Connemara.

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The Victorian Walled Garden is another must see attraction at the Abbey. A stream runs through the heart of the garden and divides it into Flower Garden and Kitchen Garden. The Visitors Centre is also well worth a visit to learn more about the abbey through its video displays. It also has a 200-seater restaurant, which specialises in traditional Irish dishes and a craft shop where you can purchase some famous Kylemore Abbey Pottery.

Visiting Kylemore Abbey: What to expect

History of Kylemore Abbey

It was originally called Kylemore Castle and was built around 1863 as a residence for a wealthy English politician named Mitchell Henry. It took about 5 years to complete the castle.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Gardens is the home of the Benedictine Order of Nuns in Ireland who have lived here since 1920. The nuns decided to open a boarding school for girls, although the school closed in 2010. The boarding school is presently located in the abbey part of the castle.

The Benedictine nuns also ran farm and a guesthouse here, but the guesthouse had to close in 1959 due to a fire. The nuns lead a monastic life of dedication to prayer and work and a section or the Abbey is sectioned off and strictly accessed only by the nuns.

One of the most notable features of the abbey is the magnificent neo-gothic church (which looks like a miniature cathedral!). The building of this church started in 1877 when Mitchell Henry decided to dedicate it as a memorial to his dead wife.

Kylemore Abbey FAQs

How much time is needed to tour Kylemore Abbey?

You can comfortably spend anywhere from three to six hours enjoying the tour of Kylemore Abbey. Visitors can leisurely wander through the estate’s main attractions, the gardens, the castle, the gothic church, gift shop and restaurant, immersing yourself in its beauty and rich history. Additionally, they can delight in the various wooded paths and savour the delectable dishes served at the estate’s main restaurant and café.

How old is Kylemore Abbey?

Kylemore Abbey, originally known as Kylemore Castle, was built in 1867 by the affluent British eye physician and future MP, Mitchell Henry, as a family retreat. Later, in 1920, upon the arrival of the Ypres Benedictine women, “Kylemore Castle” was transformed into “Kylemore Abbey2, which was run as a convent school until recent times.

Can the grounds of Kylemore Abbey be accessed without buying a ticket?

Kylemore Abbey is visible from a bridge that spans Pollacappul Lake and from a distance at Kylemore’s free car park. Visitors can also access the restaurant and café and gift shop as they are outside of the paid areas of Kylemore. To fully explore the stunning neo-Gothic Church, the Victorian Walled Gardens, or to approach the Abbey up close, visitors are advised to purchase an all-day ticket granting them access to the entire estate.

How big is Kylemore Abbey?

In terms of size, the Kylemore Abbey is truly immense, encompassing 40,000 square feet, and boasts over 70 rooms with walls made of three-foot-thick granite. Within its confines, visitors can marvel at an impressive 33 bedrooms, four bathrooms, four living rooms, a ballroom, a billiards room, a gun room, a smoking room, and several other unique spaces.

Is Kylemore Abbey still a convent?

Indeed, Kylemore Abbey remains a convent. The Benedictine Community, who have called Kylemore Abbey their home since 1920, have occasionally resided, worshiped, and worked in various areas of the property. However, in 2024, the nuns will come together once again to pursue their monastic mission in the new monastery at Kylemore Abbey.

Where is the best place to eat near Kylemore Abbey?

For dining options near Kylemore Abbey, the lively village of Letterfrack is a mere five kilometers (three miles) away with the popular Veldons Seafarer Restaurant, while Clifden, the nearest town, is twenty kilometers (twelve miles) distant and has a wide variety af great eateries such as Mitchells, Guys Bar, EJ Kings and many more. Additionally, Cleggan is only 15 kms (nine miles) with both Oliver’s and the Little Fish Café, both renowned for amazing seafood dishes. Don’t forget, there is a wonderful café restaurant in Kylemore Abbey too so you won’t have to stray far.