How to Visit Kylemore Abbey
Read our travel guide on Kylemore Abbey in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Nestled on the shores of Pollacappul Lake and surrounded by Connemara Mountains, there is no doubt that Kylemore Abbey is one of the highlights of every Ireland road trip.
The setting of this Benedictine monastery, which was once home to the Mitchell family, could not be more spectacular.
Thanks to easy access, beautiful Victorian architecture, and stunning scenery, Kylemore Abbey gradually became one of the most visited attractions in Ireland.
It truly is a remarkable place to visit, and for some, it's one of the best stops on Wild Atlantic Way.
As there are plenty of things to see and do at Kylemore Abbey, it makes sense to plan your visit right to maximize your time here. Don't worry. We got you covered.
So here's everything you should know about Kylemore Abbey before you go.
History
The structure was originally built as Kylemore Castle in 1868 for Mitchell Henry and his wife Margaret, who had fallen in love with Connemara on their honeymoon across this region a few years back.
Henry Mitchell inherited a huge family business after his father's death and instantly became one of the richest men in Britain.
He quit his successful medical career and focused on liberal politics from this point as he believed this was the correct way to change the world.
The subsequent owners were the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, who spent only 11 years at Kylemore but left a big mark on this property.
Even during this short period, the extravagant couple made many changes to the castle that you can see today.
After World War 1, Benedictine Nuns who had been residing in Belgium were forced to leave and eventually make their home at Kylemore.
They ran a boarding and day school for locals, national and international students alike from 1923 to 2010, when it was closed.
If you want to see more beautiful castles in Ireland, check out this guide.
By the way, the word Kylemore has its origin in an old Irish place named Coill Mor, meaning Big Wood.
The abbey grounds were home not only to many interesting residents but also a source of many myths and legends.
The Giant's Bed, the Legend of White Horse, the Deer's Leap and the Battle of the Giants, and the Ironing Stone were among the most famous.
This was only a very brief summary of Kylemore Abbey's history, but there's more waiting within the abbey grounds and interiors.
What to See and Do
After driving along the stunning Sky Road and hiking the challenging Diamond Hill Loop, we stopped at Kylemore Abbey.
The difference between the soothing landscape of the national park, the deserted scenic drive along the coast, and the crowded parking area at the abbey couldn't be more striking.
After seeing so many tourists heading toward the abbey, we were a bit worried about the overall experience.
Surprisingly, it was much better than we expected, but it's essential to set your expectations right to avoid disappointment.
Simply put, this is a typical tourist experience that includes all the good and bad that usually come with it.
Visitor Center
Starting from the parking lot, we took a short walk along the shores of Pollacapall Lough, which ended in a small visitor center that also marked the official entrance.
After purchasing the tickets at the kiosk, we gathered as much information about this area as possible and, more importantly, checked the map of the area.
Victorian Walled Garden
When we were done with the Visitor Center, we walked out of the building and appeared at the main intersection of this area. It's well-signed and easy to navigate your way around.
We took a left here, walked about 20 meters to a bus stop, and hopped on a shuttle bus to Victorian Walled Garden that was about to leave.
The shuttle bus leaves frequently (approximately every 15 minutes), but if you just missed it, it's probably better to take a walk.
The distance between the main entrance and Victorian Walled Garden is 1.3 kilometers and can be easily covered on foot.
If you don't want to follow in our footsteps, you can also turn right here and visit Kylemore Abbey and the neo-Gothic Church first.
After hiking in Connemara National Park only a few moments ago, it was really strange to see such as diverse garden in this area.
It seemed that we were still early, so most of the flowering plants were not in bloom, but the gardens were beautifully landscaped nonetheless.
The garden has two sections; the east one features a glasshouse, the head gardener's house, and a formal flower garden, while the west part is full of vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and other plants.
We had already visited the gardens at Powerscourt and Blarney Castle, and even though this one was relatively small, it was yet another lovely experience.
Woodland Trails
The high rainfall and moderate temperatures throughout the year are not ideal for the plants but also for the unique vegetation of mosses, ferns, fungi, and lichens which you can admire from one of the woodland trails.
We left the garden through a door in the western wall and walked along the Fauna and Flora Trail, one of its well-maintained trails.
It was mostly flat and suitable for all ages and abilities, as were all other trails, such as Horsechestnut Loop and Dawros River Walk.
By the way, you can also go on a private hike with a local guide to Duchruach Mountain, but you need to book your experience in advance.
Garden Tea House
The trail looped back to Garden Tea House, which was located practically beside the garden and buzzing with life.
It's an ideal spot to try herbal tea or home-baked cake, sit on the bench, and enjoy the views of a pasture with mares and foals with the mountains in the backdrop.
As we wanted to see as much from the abbey grounds as possible and already did the shuttle ride, we opted for a walk along the road back to the entrance point instead.
It's a nice gentle stroll that takes about 15 minutes, and you can also enjoy more views of the Maladrolaun Lake, located halfway between the abbey and the garden.
At this moment, we also realized that despite the relatively full parking area, the abbey grounds were not that crowded, and the overall experience was surprisingly peaceful.
Kylemore Abbey
We walked past the entrance and headed directly toward the abbey, which was located about 100 meters from this junction.
Before we stepped inside, we walked around a bit, marveled at the mountains rising on the other side of the valley, and admired the abbey's stunning Victorian architecture.
Unsurprisingly, the abbey itself is the main shining star of the Kylemore area.
Due to its lush green romantic setting, it reminded us a bit of Muckross House in Killarney National Park we had visited earlier.
Once we were inside, well-laid-out displays and information panels brought us back to the past.
The Visitor Experience is not just about architecture and beautifully decorated rooms but mostly about the Mitchell family, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, and the Benedictine community.
It's a story about generations of people who used to live in this part of Connemara and endured its harsh environment, remote location, and everything that came with it.
Neo-Gothic Church
The last surprise that Kylemore Abbey had in store for us was the Neo-Gothic Church located at the east end of this area.
To be honest, we didn't know that such a structure even existed within this 1.000 acres property.
It was built after Margaret contracted dysentery on their holiday in Egypt and died a few days later.
Struck by the unexpected tragedy, Mitchell decided to build this cathedral-in-miniature to commemorate her memory.
Instead of traditional Gothic features, flowers, angels, and birds were used to decorate the church. Today, it hosts special masses and is used as a venue for music recitals, choral performances, and special events.
There is also a modest mausoleum that houses the remains of Margaret and Mitchell Henry, which is located only a short walk from the church.
The church can be reached via an easy 5-minute walk from the abbey.
Craft Shop and Restaurant
Before leaving Kylemore Abbey, you can also check the gift shop near the parking area to buy souvenirs and local handmade beauty and food products.
There is also a restaurant where you can grab a coffee or light lunch before heading to your next destination.
Food is a bit more expensive, but that's expected for a place such as this.
And the end of our visit, we simply returned to our car and headed north from there. Our next stops were Killary Harbour, Aasleagh Falls, and Doolough Valley.
Opening Hours
Kylemore Abbey is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. The last admission is an hour before closing time.
Entrance Fee
The entry fee to Kylemore Abbey is €16, and you can purchase the tickets online in advance.
The entry includes the Restored rooms and multi-media Abbey experience, Neo-Gothic Church and Mausoleum, Victorian Walled Garden, and Kylemore Woodlands Trails and Tales.
The tickets are on par with what you would spend in places such as Kilkenny Castle or Bunratty Castle.
If you travel around Ireland on a budget, it's possible to see Kylemore Abbey without paying. But only from a distance and on a clear day.
This option is ideal for those pressed for time who just want to take a picture or those who want to keep their expenses at bay.
Needless to say, this experience won't be as good.
How Much Time Do I Need
Generally, you should allow yourself at least two hours for Kylemore Abbey.
As it was a beautiful day in County Galway, we spent about two and a half hours here, but I took an awful lot of pictures, and we were in no rush.
It's a magical place to spend a couple of hours, so take your time, enjoy the mesmerizing views, and soak up the serene atmosphere.
If you want just to snap a photo of the abbey from the shore, this will be a quick 10-minute stop.
When to Go
Thanks to warm and sunny days, Kylemore Abbey is especially beautiful in summer.
July and August are generally the most popular months to visit Ireland, but some places get really busy, and prices increase during this period.
We visited Kylemore Abbey in the mid-spring, and even though there were plenty of places without crowds, this place was buzzing with tourists.
Late spring and early summer are also great seasons for anyone who wants to see the flowers and plants in full bloom.
With summer crowds nowhere to be seen, autumn is an ideal time of the year to visit Kylemore Abbey for people who prefer to travel in a more relaxed manner.
The leaves change color, the air becomes crisper, and the woodland walks couldn't be more magical.
Kylemore Abbey remains open throughout winter, but this season is often cold, foggy, and rainy.
Also, the gardens won't be as beautiful in the winter months as they are in the spring.
What to Pack
It's easy to spend more time outside than inside at Kylemore Abbey, so pack according to the current weather. Keep it simple, though.
Bring a lightweight daypack, comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a quality rain jacket. In the off-season, you will need to bring an extra layer with you as the temperatures may be lower than you would expect.
Here you will find our complete Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Kylemore Abbey is by car.
Driving in Ireland along narrow rural roads can be challenging at times, but the abbey is just off the main national road, so it's very easy to get there.
Also, renting a car in Ireland is a very straightforward process.
Alternatively, you can join an organized trip from Galway, which is the nearest large city popular among tourists due to its lively atmosphere and vibrant culture.
Car
Kylemore Abbey sits directly on N59, about 90 kilometers west of Galway. If you take a shortcut via R344, it will save you about 20 kilometers.
Even though you will miss out on places such as Pines Island Viewpoint, Derrigimlagh, or even Dog's Bay, this route is still very scenic.
If you continue north along N59, you will reach Westport in 45 minutes and another 90 minutes to reach Sligo from here (N5 and N17).
It takes at least four hours to get to Kylemore Abbey from Dublin.
However, you will definitely need more time as there are some amazing stops along the way, such as Clonmacnoise, Kilbeggan, and Birr Castle. And, of course, the city of Galway.
You will need two and a half hours to reach Kylemore Abbey from Limerick and four hours to get to Cork.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is a large free parking in front of Kylemore Abbey, so you don't need to worry that you won't be able to find an empty space there.
Public Transport
Bus Eireann services the route between Clifden and Westport and Clifden and Galway, so it's possible to take a bus to Kylemore Abbey.
Even though buses 419 and 423 stop on the main road in front of the abbey, this option is not very convenient for most international travelers.
The nearest train station is in Galway.
Tours
Unless you're traveling around Ireland with a tour operator, the most common way to reach Kylemore Abbey is on a day trip from Galway.
The main advantage is that you don't have to worry about planning your itinerary or arranging transportation. Therefore, this is an ideal way to see the abbey for travelers short on time.
Here you can reserve a popular Kylemore Abbey and Connemara Tour from Galway.
Where to Stay
There are tons of accommodations to choose from around Kylemore Abbey.
Don't forget that having a car is a huge advantage here, as you can reserve a hotel room anywhere you want, not just in settlements along N59.
Whether you decide to stay in Clifden, Westport, or some nice bed and breakfast along the way, this area is packed with well-rated places to stay for every budget.
Here are our tips on the best hotels near Kylemore Abbey.
Westport | The Wyatt Hotel - Situated in Westport's town center on the famous Octagon, this hotel offers cozy rooms, a bistro-style restaurant, and live entertainment each night.
Clifden | Ardagh Hotel - Situated in a quiet location in Clifden Bay, this hotel features en suite rooms with stylish decor, delicious food, a well-stocked bar, and free parking.
Leenaun - Leenane Hotel - Located on the shores of Killary Harbour, this family-run hotel has rooms with spectacular views, traditional decor with original antique furniture, and plenty of free parking.
Staying Safe
In general, Kylemore Abbey is a very safe place to visit. As usual, use your common sense, and you should be fine.
Don't leave any of your belongings in your car, or at least keep them out of sight.
As mentioned above, bring adequate clothing to stay nice and warm.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Kylemore Abbey Worth Visiting?
If you're touring Connemara, Kylemore Abbey is definitely worth seeing.
The contrast between Victorian-style architecture, the calm waters of the majestic lake, and the surrounding mountains is absolutely breathtaking.
The ticket is not exactly cheap, but it includes a visit to the abbey, church, walled gardens, and several well-maintained trails.
Without any doubt, this is one of the best additions to every Ireland road trip itinerary. Just set your expectations right, and don't expect to have this place for yourself.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
