Kylemore Abbey Tours and Activities

Kylemore Abbey which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle
Kylemore Abbey featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and religious elements
Kylemore Abbey showing a garden
Kylemore Abbey showing a castle, a river or creek and heritage architecture
Kylemore Abbey showing château or palace, heritage elements and a river or creek


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.

Popular places to visit


Top Kylemore Abbey Hotel & Accommodation Deals

West Winds on the Wild Atlantic Way

West Winds on the Wild Atlantic Way

Renvyle
West Winds on the Wild Atlantic Way
Castlehouse B&B

Castlehouse B&B

3 out of 5
Tully, Renvyle, Galway
Castlehouse B&B
The Arch Guesthouse

The Arch Guesthouse

3 out of 5
Market St, h71p789, Clifden, Galway
The Arch Guesthouse
Idyllic Connemara cottage with sweeping sea, island and mountain views.

Idyllic Connemara cottage with sweeping sea, island and mountain views.

Letterfrack
Idyllic Connemara cottage with sweeping sea, island and mountain views.
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort

Renvyle House Hotel & Resort

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

Delphi Resort

4 out of 5
Delphi, Leenane, Galway
Delphi Resort
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Clifden Station House

Clifden Station House

3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
Clifden Station House
Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel

Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel

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

While visiting Kylemore Abbey in County Galway, immerse yourself in a variety of activities including fishing, rock climbing, and scuba diving. Be sure to explore the stunning Abbey itself and consider engaging in retreat activities or day tours that showcase the area's natural beauty. A day trip to Kylemore Abbey promises a memorable experience filled with culture and adventure.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit the Sheep And Wool Centre, located 12.9km away from Kylemore Abbey, where you’ll find lovely woollen products and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby towns for more shopping options and delightful Irish souvenirs.

Recreation

Connemara Championship Links, 20.9km from Kylemore Abbey, offers stunning views and a challenging course for golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Connemara Isles Golf Course, 32.2km away, provides a relaxing outdoor vibe, and Westport Golf Club, 35.4km from the abbey, combines sports with beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the scenic grounds of Kylemore Abbey with a delightful walk around the Victorian Walled Garden, where you can admire beautiful plants and flowers. For a bit of adventure, try hiking the nearby Diamond Hill for panoramic views of Connemara and the stunning coastline.

Nightlife

In Kylemore Abbey, the nightlife is a blend of adventure and fun. Head to War Games Paint Ball in Westport, about 32.2km away, for an exhilarating paintball experience. The arcadeAdventureZone offers a lively atmosphere perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, ensuring a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kylemore Abbey

In Kylemore Abbey, explore the stunning scenery around Kylemore Lake and nearby mountains, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a beach experience. Don't miss the iconic Kylemore Castle, which offers a glimpse into history. With numerous walking trails, you can discover the area's natural beauty while enjoying activities that highlight the charm of this picturesque location in County Galway.

  • Clifden Castle: Explore the ruins of Clifden Castle, located 11.3km from Kylemore Abbey. This historical site offers a glimpse into the region's rich culture and heritage, surrounded by stunning landscapes that add to its charm.
  • Killary Adventure Centre: Just 8.0km away from Kylemore Abbey, this vibrant theme park is perfect for families. With a range of outdoor activities and entertainment options, it promises an exhilarating day out for both kids and adults.
  • Killary Harbour: Situated 12.9km from Kylemore Abbey, Killary Harbour is a picturesque spot that boasts breathtaking scenery and tranquil beach vibes, ideal for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Best time to go to Kylemore Abbey

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. August 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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly 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 HighSlightly High
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kylemore Abbey

To save on your trip to Kylemore Abbey, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January to February or November when accommodation is cheaper. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, particularly on Wednesdays, the most affordable day to stay. Look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to filter your search on Expedia to find the best rates and special offers to ensure a budget-friendly experience around Kylemore Abbey.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kylemore Abbey are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kylemore Abbey is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kylemore Abbey is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Kylemore Abbey is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Kylemore Abbey accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.