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Kylemore Abbey, located in the Kylemore Pass in
Connemara, Co. Galway, has been home to the Irish Benedictine nuns
since 1920. The Benedictine nuns bought the house in 1920, having
fled their convent in war-torn Belgium in 1914, where they ran a
boarding school for girls for over 300 years. They re-established
the school here and it is still very much alive today.
 The
Abbey was originally built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, in memory
of his late wife Margaret. Its architecture is best described as
neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics
of that period. Kylemore Abbey's most famous feature is its miniature
cathedral, known locally as the Gothic church. It was built by Mitchell
Henry in 1870. There is a stark contrast between the dark exterior
and the light yellow stone exterior. Marble columns in three colours
add to the design's richness.
Set in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey shares its woodlands,
lakes and rivers with a large variety of birds and animals. A trip
to the West of Ireland is not complete without experiencing the
beauty and tranquility of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Facilities
at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the
main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor
through the history of the house and its occupants. The Visitor
Centre and exhibition, Gothic Church and Craft shop are open all
year.
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