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Kylemore Abbey ~
Renvyle |
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Kylemore Abbey is the Monastic home of the Benedictine Order
of Nuns in Ireland.
The community takes due pride in
preserving and restoring the estate, comprising a fine
house, built originally as a Castle in 1868, now an Abbey, a miniature Gothic Cathedral and a six-acre
Victorian Walled Garden (a 'Great Garden of Ireland' and
winner of the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in 2002). |
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The Abbey has been home to
the Irish Benedictine nuns since 1921. 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.
Kylemore Castle 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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Castles in County Galway |
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