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Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Traveller Reviews

Kylemore | Connemara, Letterfrack, Ireland
+3539552001
4.5 of 5 stars 86 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites
Activities: Shopping
Owner description: Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From it’s beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to...... more » Owner description: Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From it’s beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality and education. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the abbey and gothic church. Explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks. « less
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities
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86 reviews from our community

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DublinJane_10
Bristol, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
7 helpful votes
“Kylemore Abbey”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 August 2010

I visited with my family and I would suggest that this is more interesting for older people as there was nothing for my boys (9 & 14). The information is not displayed in a way that will engage children. Given that one of sons was free in, it was still an expensive visit. I also thought that we would see more of an insight into the nuns lives. But it is about the house (Victorian) and you only see about 5 rooms. You don't see the bedrooms or kitchens as they would have been. Much of the house is inaccessible as it is still in use by the nuns. The gardens are lovely and would make a nice walk if the weather is kind. The location is stunning by the lake.

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PMcNGalway
Galway, Ireland
Senior Contributor
45 reviews
23 helpful votes
“Fabulous Family Day Out”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 July 2010

Two adults €24, children free. Well worth the money, there is so much to see and do.

On landing here we were hungry and went straight to the restaurant, although busy, the queue moved quickly. Restaurant divided to three areas, indoor, consevatory area and outdoor garden area. Food reasonalbe priced and good for what one gets, €2.10 for coffee. Spotless.

There a shuttle bus that takes one from the enterance up to the walled gardens every 10 minutes. The bus driver on the wheelchair accessible bus was very kind and faciliated our two buggies together.

The gardens are amazing and the bus speaker told us about them as we ascended the journey. There was also a guided tour on a time I can't remember.

There is also a coffee shop at the walled gardens also, the bus also brings us down (thank God).

The Abbey itself is very interesting, its history readable or A/V on every half hour and on the hour. The history of the the chruch is amazing and a nice walk to the mausoleum.

Grounds spotless and views brillant, we came from Westport direction and the drive was amazing. This attraction is well worth visiting. We landed at 12.10 and stayed till 3.30ish.

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Shazice
Galway
Reviewer
5 reviews
1 helpful vote
“Beautiful Place with Friendly Staff!! :)”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 July 2010

I found our trip to Kylemore Abbey very interesting, its a beautiful place. We went to see everything on the estate - The Abbey, The Gothic Church, Mausaleum, Walled Gardens, Tea House, Craft Shop & Cafe. The staff are so friendly and the food is great. I would recommend this place to anyone whether it is on vaction or staycation!!!

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jreardigan
Red Deer, Canada
Contributor
14 reviews
8 helpful votes
“Beautiful and romantic”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 June 2010

It was a successful afternoon all round. The little church is really beautiful. We went in spring and the garden was pretty bare still, but the walk from church to castle and the nature walk from the gardens were beautiful with spring flora. The castle was very nice, the romantic story of it's birth being the best part. The abbey garden area has a lot of interesting things to see concerning the nature of the work the nuns have done there. We had dessert at their little cafe, which was sensational.

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JCC1960
Jacksonville, Florida
Contributor
13 reviews
2 helpful votes
“Waste of time and money”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2010
1
person found this review helpful

This place looks beautiful from the road and you think that it would be really cool to look inside. DO NOT waste your money or your time. I can't remember how much it cost but it seemed like alot. The abbey is basically a house that you get to see the first floor of a bunch of furniture that was like what was there. Then you walk a long way to the church and then to some kind of grave. We did not even go to the gardens because by that time, we were sick of the place. Yes, it is pretty but just look at it from the road and take pictures becuase it is not worth the price to go in.

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Brid Connell, Sales & Marketing Manager at Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, responded to this review
20 July 2010
Dear JCC1960,

We are very sorry to hear you that you didn't have a positive experience on your visit to Kylemore. It is a pity that you missed the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden, Restored Head Gardener's House, Restored Workman's Bothy, Tea House and the beautiful lakeshore and woodland walks on your visit.

Since you visited Kylemore we have opened up two more rooms in the Abbey, one of these rooms houses an art exhibition. The Abbey is home to the Benedictine Community of nuns. They live and work in the Abbey and therefore some of the Abbey must remain part of the Communities private enclosure.

The 1000 acre estate is filled with wonderful views and walks and is steeped in history. The grave you visited is the resting place of Margaret Henry, the lady whom the castle was built for as a romantic gift from her husband Mitchell over 130 years ago. Mitchell transformed the barren landscape into the lush forest and created the Victorian Walled garden, model farms employing modern techniques and engineering initiatives which were way ahead of its time.

We really hope you get the opportunity to visit Kylemore Abbey again where we assure you, you won't be disappointed. We’d like to thank you for posting your review.

Regards,

Brid, Sales & Marketing Manager,
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
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