Direction Ireland

Kylemore Abbey

West Ireland | County Galway

Kylemore Abbey is located in the heart of Connemara in County Galway and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. Before it became home for Irish Benedictine Nuns it was a privat castle built by Mitchell Henry in 1860's as gift for his wife Margaret. The estate was designed by James Franklin Fuller and is beautifully situated on lake shore, covers 15,000 acre, of which 6 acre was designated for Victorian Walled Garden with 21 interlinked centrally-heated glasshouses full of exotic fruits such as bananas, melons, figs and grapes. Until today are preserved only two that have been completely renovated. On the grounds of Kylemore Abbey there is "Miniature Cathedral" in Neo-Gothic style, which was built in memory of Margaret Henry after her sudden death in age of 45. Not far from Gothic Church there is Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are burried. Beside the walled garden there is elegant villa style home, which was built for Head Gardener, who was one of the most important persons at Kylemore. The castle was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1909, who resided there for several years before being forced to sell the house and grounds because of gambling debts. In 1920 the property was purchased by Nuns of the Benedictine Order, who moved here from Ypres in Belgium after their Abbey had been bombed out during World War I. In 1923, nuns established there the boarding school for girls, which was closed in 2010. In 1970's, Kylemore Abby was opened to the public and became very important tourist attraction.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • November - March :
    • Daily: 10 - 16.30
  • April - Jun :
    • Daily: 9 - 18
  • July & August :
    • Daily: 9 - 19
  • September & October :
    • Daily: 9.30 - 17.30
• TICKET PRICES :
  • Adult: €13.00
  • Senior: €10
  • Student: €9
  • Under 10: free
  • Group (10+): €8
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353 95 52001
  • Website: kylemoreabbey.com
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes