Located in the heart of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and its Neo-Gothic Church is one of Ireland's most iconic heritage sites. Approximately an hour and a half drive from Knockranny House Hotel, it is a must visit and an ideal day trip, through the breath-taking landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, for our guests looking to explore one of Ireland's most cherished landmarks.
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Knockranny House Hotel are delighted to offer our guests a 20% discount when booking online to visit Kylemore Abbey, please enquire with our receptionists during your stay with us.
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Book your accommodation here
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A ROMANTIC BEGINNING
Kylemore Abbey was originally built as Kylemore Castle in 1867 by Manchester businessman Mitchell Henry, a wealthy politician and industrialist. Inspired by his love for Ireland and his beloved wife Margaret Vaughan, the daughter of a wealthy Liverpool merchant. They married in 1852 and had 9 children together.
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They shared a deep bond and their love for the Irish countryside blossomed during their honeymoon in Connemara, which eventually inspired Mitchell to purchase land there and build the castle. Henry set out to create a grand neo-Gothic castle nestled at the foot of Duchruach Mountain, beside the peaceful Pollacapall Lough. The estate spanned over 15,000 acres and included woodlands, gardens and a working farm.
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WHO WAS MITCHELL HENRY
Born in 1826 in Manchester into a wealthy family of cotton merchants, Mitchell trained as a surgeon but later gave it up to manage the family business after his father's death. Thanks to his success in commerce and investments, Henry accumulated significant wealth, which he later used to fund his passion projects, including Kylemore.
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He entered politics in the 1870s, serving as MP for County Galway and advocating for Irish tenant's rights and better rural development. His vision for Ireland, particularly the west, was progressive and rooted in community welfare.
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Mitchell was more than a landowner, he was a reformer. He believed in improving life for local Irish tenants through fair rents, access to education and job creation. On his Kylemore estate, he employed hundreds of people, built schools and housing and introduced modern farming techniques. At time when many landlords were absentee, Henry lived among the people and reinvested in the land.
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THE GOTHIC CHURCH - A MEMORIAL OF LOVE
Kylemore Abbey's church, is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, built between 1877 and 1881, after the sudden tragic death of Margaret during a holiday in Egypt in 1875 at the age of 45. Mitchell, now heartbroken, built a Gothic-style church on the grounds in her memory. Despite its relatively small size, it boasts elaborate features typically fouind in much larger cathedrals such as stone carvings, lancet windows and carved angelic figures each representing different virtues. The building materials were sourced locally, using green Connemara marble and Caen stone from France.
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Today the church is not only an architectural gem but a poignant symbol of eternal love and devotion. It hosts regular musical performances and is open to visitors as part of the Kylemore Abbey experience.
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A NEW CHAPTER: THE BENEDICTINE NUNS
In 1920, following the Irish Civil War, Benedictine nuns fleeing war-torn Belgium purchased the estate. They converted the castle into an abbey, making it their spiritual home and a centre of education for nearly a century. The nuns ran an international boarding school for girls until 2010 and continue to maintain the estate and gardens today.
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Sadly, in 1959, tragedy struck again when a devastating fire broke out destroying large sections of the abbey, including its chapel and living quarters. While no lives where lost, the damage was significant. Over time, the nuns and loyal supporters worked tirelessly to restore and preserve the Abbey. Their dedication ensured that Kylemore remained a thriving spiritual centre and tourist destination. Today, many of the Abbey's rooms have been fully restored and are open to the public. Visitors can purchase handmade soaps, chocolates and other artisanal goods crafted by the Benedictine community.
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THE VICTORIAN WALLED GARDENS
No visit to Kylemore is complete without a stroll through the Victorian Walled Gardens, considered one of Ireland's finest restored gardens. Originally designed by James Garnier, the 6-acre gardens were ground-breaking for their time, featuring glasshouses, fruit trees and exotic plants. The gardens have been lovingly restored and offer a serene escape into 19th-century horticulture.