Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Wardens are a must see for any visitor to Connemara. Built by a wealthy industrialist Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret in 1868 the Abbey has a history that reads like a romantic novel. Romance, tragedy, royalty, gambling, politics, war and the quest for peace are all features in this history. The current residents the Benedictine sisters arrived here in 1920 and are the guardians of the Estate today. Visitors to Kylemore can enter the Abbey where a number of rooms have been opened to the public. The visit also include the beautiful and fully restored Neo Gothic Church and the fabulous Victorian Walled Gardens . Attend a history talk in the Abbey or join the guided tour of the gardens. On Monday and Wednesdays throughout the summer you can join our guide for a hike through the mountains over looking the Abbey. Stroll the tree lined avenues along Connemara lakes taking in all the splendours of nature. Eat a home cooked lunch in Mitchells café or our Garden Tea house and treat yourself to something nice in our craft and design shop. The shop sells unique products including chocolates, creams and soaps handmade by the Benedictine sisters as well as the Kylemore Fuchsia pottery range also made onsite.