2 Night Break with Dinner 1 Evening
Located just a 30-minute drive from the hotel, Kylemore Abbey is a must-see when touring Connemara. Originally built as Kylemore Castle in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, it has a rich and storied history. Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London, constructed the castle as a romantic gesture for his wife, Margaret, after they fell in love with the area during their honeymoon. Designed by architects James Franklin Fuller and Samuel Ussher Roberts, the castle took four years to complete and featured over 70 rooms, including a ballroom and a library.
Tragically, Margaret Henry died in 1874, prompting Mitchell to build a Gothic chapel and a family mausoleum in her memory. The estate changed hands in 1903 when it was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, who made several modifications during their brief ownership.
In 1920, Benedictine nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I purchased the estate and established Kylemore Abbey as a monastery. They also founded Kylemore Abbey School in 1923, which operated until 2010. Today, Kylemore Abbey is a leading visitor attraction in Ireland, known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and the ongoing presence of the Benedictine community.
Tickets start are €18.00 per adult, Student €15.50, Family Tickets are €45.00.