Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a neo-Gothic castle and Benedictine monastery set against the mountains of Connemara, County Galway. Built between 1867 and 1871 by wealthy London doctor Mitchell Henry as a private residence, the building contains over seventy rooms and its facade of Dalkey granite and Ballinasloe limestone stretches 142 feet wide. A miniature Gothic church on the grounds was erected as a memorial after Henry's wife Margaret died of fever contracted during a visit to Egypt in 1874.
Benedictine nuns who had fled bombardment of their abbey in Ypres during World War I purchased the estate in 1920 and established a monastery and school. The estate, including restored Victorian walled gardens, is open to the public as one of Ireland's most visited attractions.
Visitor information
- Location
- Connemara, County Galway
- Country
- Ireland
- Tier
- A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
- Coordinates
- 53.5617, -9.8894
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Kylemore Abbey?
- Kylemore Abbey is in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland (approximately 53.5617, -9.8894).
- Can you visit Kylemore Abbey?
- Yes — Kylemore Abbey is a recognised tourist attraction in Ireland.
- What tier is Kylemore Abbey on the Castle Atlas?
- Kylemore Abbey is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
- What can you see at Kylemore Abbey?
- Kylemore Abbey is a neo-Gothic castle and Benedictine monastery set against the mountains of Connemara, County Galway. Built between 1867 and 1871 by wealthy London doctor Mitchell Henry as a private residence, the building contains over seventy rooms and its facade of Dalkey granite and Ballinasloe limestone stretches 142 feet wide. A miniature Gothic church on the grounds was erected as a memorial after Henry's wife Margaret died of fever contracted during a visit to Egypt in 1874.