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Monastery · Clifden, Galway
Kylemore Abbey
Victorian castle from 1871 on the lakeshore, at the foot of the mountain, where Benedictine nuns have lived since 1920, with the neo-Gothic church and a 2.4-hectare walled garden.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey stands on the shore of Pollacappul Lake, at the foot of Doughruagh mountain, in north Connemara, about 18 km from Clifden. The house was built between 1867 and 1871 by English doctor and businessman Mitchell Henry, who fell in love with the area on his honeymoon and built it for his wife, Margaret. It is a granite and limestone castle in neo-Gothic style, with towers and battlements, reflected in the lake water.
In 1920, Benedictine nuns who had left Ypres in Belgium during the First World War bought the estate and founded the abbey there. For decades the house housed a girls' school. The nuns continue to live at Kylemore and care for the estate, which receives visitors year-round.
The visit includes the restored ground-floor rooms of the house, with furniture and objects from Mitchell Henry's time, and a 10-minute walk along the lake shore to the neo-Gothic church, built in 1877 in memory of Margaret, who died young after a trip to Egypt. The church, with marbles from various parts of Ireland, is called the "miniature cathedral". Further on are the family mausoleum and a wood.
The Victorian walled garden, about 1.5 km from the house, covers 2.4 hectares with flower beds and kitchen gardens, restored greenhouses and the gardener's house. A shuttle from the estate takes visitors there. The shop sells products made by the nuns, such as chocolates and jams.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the house, the church and the walled garden.
Best time
In the early morning or late afternoon, outside the schedule of tour buses from Galway, which usually arrive late morning. The walled garden is most in bloom from May to September. On windy days, the reflection of the house in the lake disappears.
How to get there
It is on the N59, about 18 km northeast of Clifden and 4 km east of Letterfrack: 25 minutes by car. Day trips leave from Galway, and regular buses between Galway and Clifden pass through the area at certain times. There is parking at the entrance.
Tip
Stop on the shoulder of the N59, before the entrance, on the other side of the lake: that's where the classic photo of the house reflected in the water is taken. On the property, don't skip the walk to the neo-Gothic church by the lake.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kylemore Abbey
Do nuns still live at Kylemore?
Yes. The community of Benedictine nuns that purchased the estate in 1920 still lives there and cares for the abbey and gardens.
Can you go inside the house?
Yes — the restored ground-floor rooms are open to visitors. The upper floors are used by the community and are not part of the visit.
Is the walled garden far away?
About 1.5 km from the house. You can walk there along a woodland path or take the estate's bus.
Is Kylemore open in winter?
The estate is generally open year-round, with reduced hours in winter and the walled garden having fewer flowers. Check opening times before you go.