Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Connemara, County Galway, founded in 1920 by nuns who fled Belgium during World War I. Set within the former Kylemore Castle (built in 1868 by Dr. Mitchell Henry), the Abbey today is both a working monastery and one of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions.

Mitchell Henry built Kylemore Castle as a grand neo-Gothic home, with 70+ rooms and extensive gardens. After the death of his wife Margaret in 1874, he added a chapel and mausoleum. The estate later passed through several owners before the Benedictine nuns purchased it in 1920.

The nuns established a farm, boarding school (1923–2010), and later retreat and education programs. In 2022, Kylemore Abbey joined the English Benedictine Congregation.

Since 2015, the Abbey has partnered with the University of Notre Dame (USA), hosting academic programs, retreats, and cultural events.

The restored Victorian Walled Gardens, with kitchen and flower sections, are a highlight of the estate, open to visitors since the 1970s.

Address
Shanaveg, County Galway, Ireland

Established
1868