Kylemore is home to one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings and is certainly a firm favourite with visitors to the west of Ireland. Built by Mitchell Henry in the second half of the 19th century and later owned by the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, Kylemore Abbey has been in the custody of a community of Benedictine nuns since 1920, where they operated a girls boarding school until recent years.
Kylemore Abbey boasts a Victorian walled garden, woodland walks, children’s play trail, mountain hikes, a beautiful Gothic church and an excellent craft shop and restaurant. Events including choral performances, guided garden tours and seasonal activities ensure that there is something for everybody at Kylemore.
The romantic setting is also one of the most popular photo opportunities in Connemara, so don’t forget to bring your camera! The lakes of Kylemore are renowned in the fishing world and the Kylemore Fishery offers permits for salmon and sea trout on the idyllic Dawros River.