Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore, Connemara, Co Galway
Set in the Connemara mountains is Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful neo-Gothic Castle. Built by the English industrialist Mitchell Henry in 1868, visitors to the three reception rooms in the Abbey are touched by its history steeped in romance and tragedy. Kylemore Castle was sold to Benedictine nuns fleeing war-torn Belgium in 1920 and the Castle became an Abbey. The Community of Nuns re-opened their International Boarding School here and also established a day school for local girls. Mitchell Henry built the recently re-opened Neo-Gothic Church (under restoration) between 1877 and 1881 as a memorial to his wife following her untimely death. The Church, a cathedral in miniature, is a centre of reflection and prayer for many visitors. Visitors can also see the Mausoleum where the original owners are buried. The complimentary shuttle bus takes visitors to the restored Victorian Walled Garden. The garden was laid out by the head gardener, James Garnier and the glasshouses were designed by Cranstons of Birmingham. In the early 1900s, the garden went into decline, in time becoming a wilderness with the glasshouses collapsing, leaving only their brick base. The garden was restored by the Nuns and re-opened in 2000. At the end of your visit, why not browse in the Craft Shop or relax over a cup of coffee in the Restaurant or view the unique Kylemore Abbey Pottery as it is made in The Pottery, adjacent to the Craft Shop. Facilities include a restaurant and shop which is open mid March to the end of October (closed Good Friday) 09:30 to 17:30. Nov. March. 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The Garden Gate is open from Easter to end of October 10.30 to 16.30.

Chris Mee Group

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