Kylemore Abbey Tours

Kylemore Abbey & Garden showing a river or creek, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Kylemore Abbey & Garden which includes heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture
Kylemore Abbey & Garden featuring a garden
Kylemore Abbey & Garden featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Kylemore Abbey & Garden which includes a castle, a river or creek and heritage elements


Tour one of Ireland's most romantic castles, which has been home to Benedictine nuns since 1920.

Set alongside a beautiful lake, Kylemore Abbey was originally built as a family home for Mitchell Henry in 1871. It later became an abbey when purchased by nuns fleeing from World War I Belgium. Since the 1970s, Kylemore Abbey has been open to the public. Today, it’s one of Ireland’s top attractions, offering a great day out for the whole family. From spring through to late fall, you can take a short guided tour of the abbey. The tour takes in an audiovisual room, entrance hall, inner hall, drawing room, middle room and dining room. Though a fire ravaged the abbey in 1959, rooms have since been restored with antique furniture, fireplaces and flooring. You can also tour without a guide. The Victorian Walled Garden is as popular as the abbey itself. The garden was created by Henry and is an astounding feat of engineering. It is built in bogland, and cleaved in two by a natural stream. Half of the garden is comprised of flowerbeds the other half is used by the nuns to grow fruit and vegetables.Since restoration began on the garden in 1996, it has regained its two glasshouses and the head gardener's house. Free daily guided tours of the garden take place between May and September, and twice daily in July and August. Also be sure to see the stunning Gothic church dedicated to Henry’s wife. Set aside a day for your visit to the abbey in order to take in all that the attraction has to offer, including woodland walks around the estate, complete with children's play trail. Bring a picnic or enjoy a meal in one of the three dining venues.Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is located in Connemara, approximately one hour's drive from Galway. Car parking is free. The entry ticket includes a booklet, the guided tour and access to the gardens. Both attractions open daily throughout the year. Check the website for specific opening hours.

Plan a trip to see Kylemore Abbey

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The Lake Hotel Killarney
No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa
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Best Lodging Options Near Kylemore Abbey

Castlehouse B&B

Castlehouse B&B

3 out of 5
Tully, Renvyle, Galway
Castlehouse B&B
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Delphi Resort

Delphi Resort

4 out of 5
Delphi, Leenane, Galway
Delphi Resort
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort

Renvyle House Hotel & Resort

4 out of 5
Renvyle Connemara, Renvyle, Galway
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort
Clifden Station House

Clifden Station House

3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
Clifden Station House
Luxurious House in Renvyle - situated on the Wild Atlantic Way

Luxurious House in Renvyle - situated on the Wild Atlantic Way

Connemara
Luxurious House in Renvyle - situated on the Wild Atlantic Way
Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel

Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel

4 out of 5
Connemara, Recess, Galway
Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Recess, Ballynahinch, Galway
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Sharamore House

Sharamore House

4 out of 5
Streamstown, Clifden, Galway
Sharamore House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kylemore Abbey

When visiting Kylemore Abbey, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, rock climbing, and scuba diving. Don't miss the local attractions, which offer stunning scenery and rich history. Consider taking day tours to explore the beautiful surroundings and learn more about the area's cultural heritage, making your trip to Kylemore a memorable experience.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local brews, visit Mescan Brewery, located 14 miles from Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere and vibrant entertainment while sampling distinctive beers. Don't miss the scenic views of Connemara and the nearby Dublin Mountains for a complete experience.

Shopping

The Sheep And Wool Centre is a charming store located 8 miles away from Kylemore Abbey, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting nearby towns for more shopping options and local artisan goods that showcase Irish craftsmanship.

Recreation

Connemara Championship Golf Links offers a stunning golfing experience with breathtaking landscapes, located 14 miles from Kylemore Abbey. For another outdoor adventure, Renvyle House Golf Course, just 6 miles away, provides a relaxing atmosphere amidst nature. Connemara Isles Golf Course, 20 miles from Kylemore, is perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Kylemore Abbey, the nearby War Games Paint Ball in Westport, located 20 miles away, offers an exciting adventure vibe perfect for families and friends. With its arcade and adrenaline-pumping activities, it's a fun way to enjoy the evening and bond with fellow travelers.

Find the best attractions near Kylemore Abbey

Visiting Kylemore Abbey in County Galway offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Explore the stunning lakes, nearby beaches, and majestic mountains. Key attractions include Kylemore Abbey itself, the enchanting Walled Gardens, the historic Kylemore Castle, and the vibrant Eyre Square. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or scenic views, Kylemore Abbey and its surroundings provide a perfect getaway for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Ireland's charm.

  • Connemara National Park: Just 2 miles from Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. You can hike through lush landscapes, spot unique wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Lettergesh Beach: Located 3 miles away, Lettergesh Beach is a stunning stretch of sandy shoreline perfect for relaxation. With its beautiful coastal views and gentle waves, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the sea.
  • Mweelrea: At 6 miles from Kylemore Abbey, Mweelrea is the highest mountain in Connacht. Known for its adventurous hiking trails, it offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore rugged terrain and enjoy breathtaking vistas from its summit.

Best time to go to Kylemore Abbey

Visitor numbers around Kylemore Abbey is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Kylemore Abbey can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kylemore Abbey falls in July and August. July has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Kylemore Abbey falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
August55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
September53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
October49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kylemore Abbey

Visiting Kylemore Abbey can be budget-friendly with free entry and nearby attractions like Connemara National Park and Lettergesh Beach. To save on accommodations, plan your visit during off-peak months, such as January to February or November, when hotel prices are lower. Book about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget options and consider joining their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash-back offers. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through Expedia can also help reduce costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Kylemore Abbey is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Kylemore Abbey are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Kylemore Abbey about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kylemore Abbey with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.