Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine nunnery in Connemara that was established in former Kylemore Castle, the privately built home of a wealthy 19th-century Englishman, Mitchell Henry. The castle was built in Baronial architecture style, for a romantic, "medieval" look. It looks impressive, especially when viewed from across the lake. The nuns established a boarding school for girls there, but this school is now closed.

The abbey is still in use, and has opened its doors to tourists. Inside the castle building, six rooms on the ground floor (out of 70) can be visited.

The picturesque and huge estate also features a gothic church, built like a miniature cathedral, a mausoleum (for Henry's wife), and a Victorian walled garden.

The garden (or rather, park) is a special gem. It was once completely overgrown, as the nuns couldn't manage to maintain it. But with the help of volunteers and donations it is now being restored.

We spent nearly an entire day at this relaxing place.