Kylemore Abbey
Mainistir na Coille Móire
A neo-Gothic castle at the foot of the mountains beside Connemara's lake, now a Benedictine abbey, with a Gothic chapel and Victorian walled gardens.
Kylemore Abbey was originally a castle built in the 19th century by English businessman Mitchell Henry for his wife. It nestles at the foot of Druchruach mountain and is reflected in Pollacappul Lough, a fairy-tale scene. Since 1920 it has been home to Benedictine nuns from Belgium. Visitors can tour the restored castle rooms and the neo-Gothic church known as the 'Little Cathedral', and take a free shuttle to the roughly 2.5-hectare Victorian walled garden. Admission is about 20 euros, so set aside half a day. It's about 1.5 hours' drive from Galway and is often visited on the same day as Connemara National Park.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Connemara National Park
- Killary Harbour
- Dog's Bay
- Sky Road, Clifden
- Inis Mór & Dún Aonghasa
- Cong & Ashford Castle
- Lough Corrib
- Inis Oírr