Summary
Home to the Benedictine nuns, Ireland’s Kylemore Abbey is a surreal fairytale-like castle steeped in history, tales of romance and tragedy, and spirituality.
Conjuring a very Victorian atmosphere, Kylemore Abbey is home to a lavish walled garden, a number of nature trails, a gothic church, and an awe-inspiring castle containing over 70 rooms.
A Visit to Kylemore Abbey
Visiting is like stepping back in time; there’s an emotional quality to the architecture, along with how the castle is perched just beside a quiet lake. It’s no surprise that Kylemore Abbey has made a name for itself as one of Ireland’s best-loved attractions.
What is Kylemore Abbey All About?
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that was founded on the grounds of Kylemore Castle in 1920.
Located in Connemara, County Galway, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most deeply loved sites and is among the most visited attractions in the west of Ireland.
This is in no small part due to its vast and rather romantic history.
Originally built for Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London, and his wife, Margaret Henry, the estate has seen its fair share of owners.
It has survived through various chapters, ultimately leading to its current life as the home for the Benedictine nuns, and of course, a fantastic tourist attraction.
About the Castle Grounds
The castle is massive, covering 40,000 square feet, and has over 70 rooms with granite walls three feet thick.
There are, impressively, 33 bedrooms, four bathrooms, four living rooms, a ballroom, a billiard room, a gun room, a smoking room, and a number of other unique spaces that visitors can view.
Beyond the castle’s walls, there are vast walled Victorian gardens covering six acres to wander through.
Visitors can enjoy woodland trails, lakeshore walks, a gothic cathedral, a wild salmon-filled lake, and even a mausoleum containing the bodies of three of the Henrys!
Story of Kylemore Abbey
Part of what makes Kylemore Abbey so wonderful is the story of its history.
Full of tragedy, romance, mischief, and religion, the Abbey is by no means just a beautiful structure; it serves as an emotional time warp rich with the spectrum of life.
The abbey was originally built in 1868 after Mitchell Henry and his wife fell in love with the natural beauty of the site during their honeymoon.
After deciding to make it their home, it took 100 men four years to complete the castle’s construction.
Tragedy at Kylemore
However, only a few years later, tragedy struck when Henry’s wife Margaret died suddenly.
In his grief, Henry built a neo-gothic church on the property in memory of his wife.
The next phase of Kylemore Abbey’s life involved Mitchell Henry’s mischievous side.
His mounting gambling debts, which became too high to sustain, forced him to sell the estate to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, William Angus.
Nevertheless, Angus was hardly more responsible, spending more time partying than maintaining the property!
Consequently, Angus was forced to sell the estate as well.
Kylemore Abbey Today
Enter the final and current phase of Kylemore Abbey’s life: a group of Benedictine nuns from Belgium fled their war-torn home during World War I and settled at Kylemore Castle in 1920.
Since then, the estate has been restored and developed, continuing to be a working monastery under the care of the Benedictine community.
What to Expect at Kylemore Abbey
Today’s Kylemore Abbey is an extremely impressive, vast site that is (mostly) open to visitors.
However, since much of the castle is still occupied by nuns, some sections are off-limits.
Still, being a 1,000-acre estate, there is no shortage of areas to explore; visitors can enjoy the gothic church, the mausoleum, and some of the castle’s finest rooms.
The rooms are lavishly decorated with portraits and delicate china, and the entire site is situated within a lovely, lush setting between trees and a lake.
The abbey’s walled Victorian garden is a marvel in and of itself— a labyrinth of floral wonders and perfectly maintained walkways that are sure to please the eye while providing a deeper understanding of what made the site so beloved by the Henrys long ago.
In addition to architectural marvels, Kylemore Abbey hosts a range of activities year-round, including family days and guided hikes.
To top it off, the site also features a full-service restaurant serving home-cooked dishes, a tea house, and a coffee shop.
“We (Dave and Deb) enjoyed a delicious piece of apple pie a la mode with coffee at Mitchell’s café as we continued north on the Wild Atlantic Way. It was an amazing stop after visiting our friend Fergus in Connemara.”
Where to Stay When Visiting Kylemore Abbey
Travelers often find that having a car while exploring the Wild Atlantic Way grants them the freedom to stay wherever they like.
Dolphin Beach House is recommended, as it is owned and operated by our friend Fergus, and is perfectly situated on high sea cliffs overlooking the ocean.
It serves as a great base to explore Killary Harbour, Kylemore Abbey, The Clifden Castle Walk, and the Sky Road Loop.
Dolphin Beach House is comfortable and modern, yet has a homey and welcoming feel set directly on the sea, allowing you to spend hours walking along the 14 km of rugged coastline or relaxing in the quiet garden.
Tips for Visiting Kylemore Abbey
Since many of Kylemore Abbey’s wonders are outdoors, and a bit of walking is required between buildings, it’s advised to visit on a day with nice weather.
Wear a good pair of walking shoes, as the estate covers 1,000 acres!
Also, don’t be deterred by the fact that not all areas are accessible to visitors—Kylemore Abbey is vast, and there’s no shortage of open spots to explore.
Furthermore, knowing that many rooms are occupied by Benedictine nuns truly adds an element of authenticity and prevents the abbey from becoming an overt tourist trap.
Due to its rich history, Kylemore Abbey has developed into a spiritual haven, with countless tales to be heard about the site, including one that tells of a white horse emerging from the lake every seven years!
