True 5 star visit Nestled in the heart of Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a haven of history, beauty and serenity. Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors from all over the world each year to embrace the magic of the magnificent 1,000-acre estate. read more

Kylemore Abbey - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Connemara, G

Overall this is a beautiful place, however we attended a lecture within the Abbey and were totally disgusted with the older gentleman who gave the lecture. Despite a request to "slow down" his speech so we could understand him, he ignored the request and in essence gave a 20 minute lecture in 10 minutes. At least 5 people out of 12 lingered afterwards and complained to each other about his arrogance. read more

Pre COVID, my sister and I went to Ireland to see where our ancestors came from. We went on a Brendan tour and they did a fine job taking us to various sites and lovely places Kylemore Abbey was one such place. Kylemore Abbey, which has around 40,000 square feet was once a private home!!! Built on the edge of a beautiful lake with rolling hills around it. It's now a monastery. There's a beautiful chapel and graveyard on the grounds. The most stunning thing is the walled garden! You take a tram up to the garden so there may be a wait while waiting for the tram. Beautiful flowers abound in the garden.There's a restaurant right outside the walled garden. Also the obligatory gift shop on sight. Lovely place. read more

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A stop on our tour of the West of Ireland. A stunning house built in the late 1800's by an Englishman for his wife who fell in love with the location on their honeymoon. Sadly, she died only three years after its completion. The surrounding Gardens and pocket sized cathedral are definitely worth a look and the House and grounds are epic. The place is now run by Catholic nuns who make chocolate and soap. Worth a walk around. They have a shuttle back and forth to the Gardens which are a 25 minute walk from the house. There is a tourist center for snacks and food and and tchotchke shop if you like that stuff. Nancy & Mark. read more

Terrific place to visit. Lots of things to do for young and old. If possible take in a musical performance in the gothic revival church. Built as a mini cathedral Wonderful acoustics. The experience of having glorious harp music bathing you in musical magic in such surroundings is not to be forgotten. Very helpful friendly people even by Irish standards. If you have mobility issues don't worry you can check out a wheel chair and there is a wheelchair accessible shuttle bus. Ask the the parking attendant for access to the handicapped parking The food is great tasting even better value with a wide choice. We had the lamb stew. Big portions with generous amounts of tender lamb. And 3 shared one slice of apple pie and custard. The line was long but moved quickly. The walled gardens were beautiful. Lots of interesting info about gardens and gardening from the 19th century. Who knew that bananas could grow in Ireland. There is a garden cafe also. Finally a wake thru the thoughtfully restored Abbey. A must visit for at least 4 hours and a meal read more

Breathtaking castle and gothic cathedral built circa 1850 as a push present for Margaret who gave birth to 9 of Mitchell Henry's children. Currently operates as an Abbey for Belgian nuns and semester abroad hang out for Notre Dame undergrads. I wished more of the castle were open to visitors. I guess like most Irish families only the downstairs is presentable on any given day. Beautiful grounds, walking paths, and garden. Worth a visit whilst trapsing around Connemara. read more

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A review isn't a review when you start to read and realise the reviewer hasn't actually managed to visit the place... Don't get me wrong, I mean I got there and saw around me the Abbey in the distance and the promising gardens, I even managed to get into the visitors centre and gaze wistfully at the coffee shop/restaurant.... but that's as far as we got, the rain poured... HEAVILY, which meant venturing out to explore was just not tenable. The drive to and from the Abbey is worth it in and of itself, the country is beautiful. So, my advice is to chose your day, if it is likely to be inclement, dress appropriately because it rains 10 times harder in Kylemore than anywhere else! I'll probably see you there, the family DOR is due a revisit. read more

Kylemore Abbey - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Connemara, G

Still a wonderful place, Kylemore Abbey. I remember with fondness a visit from my childhood to the abbey and it was definitely worth going back to see again. My abiding memory of that first visit was climbing the hill behind the abbey. This was something I did not do this time round, but I did see so much more besides on this visit. The walled Victorian gardens are a just fabulous. Everything appears to be meticulously planned out and maintained. The green houses are getting a complete refurbishment, in fact there were no Victorian green houses there at all, but I am sure they will be impressive when they are restored to their former glory. There is a shuttle service to the Victorian gardens, but if you are able bodied and its a nice day, walk there. It's a very pleasant stroll. At the opposite end of the property there is the Gothic Chapel and crypt. It's nearer to walk to than the Victorian gardens and is just beautiful, inside and out. I didn't even realise it was there, that and the crypt. As for the main building itself, it's just crying out to be photographed. Stunning. The only downside of the visit was the queue in the restaurant for lunch. It was massive and not moving at all. There was plenty of tables and space to sit down in, just getting to the food was the hard part. That said, if you go through the gift shop or back outside, you'll find the cafe to the right, where you can get pre-made sandwiches and small quiches. It's self-service, apart from the till and there are tables and chairs outside. We were mighty happy to find it and there was little or no queue here. If you are in Connemara, you must visit Kylemore Abbey. read more

I'll blame the rain for minimizing our time outside but the best part of the Abbey was across the lake before entering the lot. It was a beautiful view. Inside? We only saw about six rooms, none too impressive. It was a long drive for too little. The chapel was small but nice. Maybe the rain is to blame, it was ok. read more

Kylemore Abbey - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Connemara, G

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The Kylemore Abbey is not very old, because it was finished in 1871, but it almost looks like a building from the middle ages! It looks fantastic from the other side of the lake! The price is very high, because you can only visit the ground floor and a little bit from the second floor. However the Victorian Garden (20min walking from the Abbey or a few minutes with the bus ;)) is wonderful! I can definetly recommend it! read more

Kylemore Abbey - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Connemara, G

Beautiful castle and gardens. lovely place to have lunch and do some souvenir shopping. Would loove to go back. amazing place for photography. read more

The drive from Westport to Kylemore Abbey is stunning. The photo opportunities are endless. The scenery is so beautiful it would make you weep! It was tempting to stop on the bridge at our first glimpse of the abbey to take photographs but the view is even better as you arrive into the estate. The gardens are wonderful and the outside of the abbey stunning. We were disappointed with the interior however as only five rooms are open to the public. We had tea and cake in the tea rooms at the walled gardens with beautiful views. The shuttle bus certainly saved our tired feet. An enjoyable morning with the drive there being the icing on the cake. read more

we spent a whole day at kylemore , such a lot to see , very well maintained and the scenery was stunning , food and coffee facilities are excellent , with access to the castle , gardens and church plus a free shuttle bus. By the end of the day i thought 13 euros for adult entry was very cheap for a great day out . read more

Absolutely fantastic looking building - one of my favourites in Ireland . Its on a lovely lake , it looks unreal , like something from a film set . Its very worth a visit . read more