Kylemore Abbey

Abbey in Galway

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is a must-see on any trip to the west of Ireland. Just a 30-minute drive from Ballynahinch Castle, this iconic castle is nestled between the base of Druchruach Mountain and the picturesque Lough Pollaacapull. The sight of the Abbey against the rugged landscape, reflected in the tranquil lake, is truly breathtaking and an unforgettable part of a Connemara visit.

One of Ireland’s most beloved attractions, Kylemore Abbey is steeped in spirituality, culture, and tranquility. Its history is equally remarkable: the castle was built by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gift for his wife, Margaret. Despite its lavish construction, tragedy struck when Margaret passed away shortly after, prompting Mitchell to build a beautiful neo-Gothic Church in her memory.

Over the years, Kylemore Castle changed hands until 1920, when Benedictine nuns fleeing from Belgium after their Abbey in Ypres was destroyed in World War I took over. They restored the building and opened an international boarding school for girls, which operated until 2010. Notably, Prince Ranji, a previous owner of Ballynahinch Castle, sent his nieces to be educated there.

In the mid-1990s, the Benedictine nuns began restoring the Victorian Walled Garden, which had fallen into disrepair. This garden, one of the last Victorian walled gardens built in Ireland and the only one in the middle of a bog, originally featured 21 advanced glasshouses heated by hot water pipes. The nuns restored the garden to its Victorian glory, including rebuilding two glasshouses and the gardener’s cottage. Today, the Walled Garden only grows plants and vegetables from the Victorian era, beautifully maintained.

Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden is a premier attraction in the West of Ireland. Visitors can explore the woodlands, enjoy lake walks, and sample Benedictine recipes at Mitchell’s Café and the Garden Tea Rooms.

The Kylemore Abbey appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Galway!

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