Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

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A guide to visiting Ireland's Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, I paid for this trip myself. All recommendations and opinions are my own.

The breathtaking Kylemore Abbey and gardens is an easy one hour drive from Galway city, in the wild countryside of Connemara. For those of you planning on driving the Wild Atlantic way, the Abbey is on route. There’s a lot to see and do at Kylemore, so I recommend that you dedicate at least half a day to exploring this wonderful property.

Kylemore Castle was originally built as a family home by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy Englishman. Construction on this magnificent house commenced in 1867 and it took over one hundred men to complete it in four years.

Mitchell was married to Margaret Vaughan, and together they had an impressive nine children. Sadly Margaret passed away after contracting fever at only 49 years old whilst on a family holiday in Egypt. Her husband had a beautiful memorial church built as a testament of his love for her. This Gothic church, described as a ‘Cathedral miniature’ is open to the public and is located about a mile from the castle. Margaret’s body was embalmed and sent back to Kylemore, and her body is now entombed alongside her husbands in the mausoleum, which you can visit near the church.

The 70+ room castle was eventually sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1909, but they were forced to sell it several years later due to gambling debts. In 1920 the land was purchased by the Irish Benedictine Nuns after they were forced to flee Belgium during WW1. They opened the Abbey as an international boarding school for girls and also provided a day school for the local girls. The school was eventually closed in 2010, however, new education and retreats are still held at the Abbey. A fascinating autobiography, [amazon text=By Strange Paths, written by the Benedictine Nun Dame Elizabeth Magdalen Lee (1875-1952) &asin=0954231007] provides an interesting insight into the Nun’s lives at Kylemore Abbey.

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Attractions

The Abbey

Begin your visit at the fairy tale castle set on the shores of the Lough Pollacapull. Only a small part of the Abbey is open to the public because the remainder of the rooms are the private nun’s private enclosure and education rooms.

There are a number of restored rooms that will step you back in time – the entrance, inner and saloon hall, drawing room, morning room and dining room. Features include a fine Italian marble fireplace and hand stenciled wallpapers. Alongside is a collection of artefacts on display of the Benedictine Community. You will also find an interesting exhibition which provides an interesting history of the Kylemore Abbey Girls School. For those interested, Lydia Little, a past student of the boarding school, has written a teen fiction series called K-Girls which is inspired by her time at Kylemore Abbey school.

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Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

Church and Mausoleum

Just a five minute walk along the shores of Lough Pollacapull lies Kylemore’s enchanting neo-Gothic Church. Described as a ‘Cathedral in Miniature’ this elegant building is a lasting testament to the love of Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret. On your visit you may be lucky enough to enjoy one of the many musical performances that take place here throughout the year.

Kylemore Abbey Church
Kylemore Abbey Church

The Gardens

Originally developed along with the Castle in the late 1800’s, the Kylemore gardens were tendered by 40 gardeners and boasted 21 heated glass houses. But as the property passed through different owners, it eventually became completely overgrown. In 1995 the Benedictine Nuns began an extensive program of restoration, and by 2000 the Garden was opened for the public to enjoy. The following year it won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award.

The 6 acre of gardens includes a picturesque Victorian walled garden, glass houses and gardeners’ houses. The Head Gardener’s House overlooks the garden and has been restored to provide visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Head Gardener and his privileged position in Victorian society. The history continues just down the path at the ‘Workman’s Bothy’ or workers quarters. Visitors are given an interesting historical insight into the life of the hardworking gardeners. There’s even the original Garden Tool Shed where visitors can view a display of garden tools and artefacts that were found in the gardens.

There is a lovely café located in these gardens and it’s the perfect setting to rest and enjoy some refreshments.

Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore Abbey Gardners Cottage
Kylemore Abbey Gardners Cottage

History Talks & Guided Tours

If you would like to hear a more in depth history of the Abbey, then you can attend one of the regular history talks available each day. The Kylemore Abbey website provides details.

There are also complimentary daily guided tours of the Victorian Walled Garden during the summer months. No pre-booking is required and the location of the Garden Tour meeting point is shown on the visitor guide you receive on entry to the Kylemore estate. Groups can book a private tour of the gardens at an additional charge by contacting the Abbey.

Kylemore Abbey Gardens
Kylemore Abbey Gardens

Shopping

If you’re looking for a good place to buy souvenirs, then you must visit Kylemore Abbey’s craft and design store. The shop offers a gorgeous range of gifts, homeware, clothing, food, and beauty products made by Irish craftspeople. There is also a collection of items made by the Benedictine Nun’s, including chocolates, soap, candles, skin care products, and a baking mix range. The staff can also arrange to have your items shipped home for you.

Refreshments

There are three excellent café’s at the Abbey that serve delicious home-cooked food. The largest one, Mitchell’s café, is located just off the parking lot beside the gift store and offers full hot meals. You don’t need an Abbey ticket to access this café. The Tea House is located by the walled garden and offers light lunches. Finally, there is an express coffee shop available in the summer months.

Essential Visitor Information

  • There is a free visitor car park.
  • A free shuttle bus is available from the entrance to the gardens.
  • Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

Tips
  • Save money on entry tickets by purchasing them online at the Kylemore Abbey website. You don’t need to print off the ticket, just show the staff your eticket on your electronic device at the entrance.
  • If you don’t have a hire car, then you can get to the Abbey via a daily bus tour from Galway.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. To really enjoy this property I recommend exploring the extensive paths and gardens.
  • Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
  • Don’t forget your camera!

Accommodation Options

Spend the evening in the quaint town of Clifden. Clifden is a real gem and the perfect base while visiting the Connemara region. It provides a range of accommodation options and has excellent restaurants, bars, café’s and shops. On a practical side, there is also a supermarket and pharmacy. Click here to search all available accommodation in Clifden.

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