Travel from Galway through Connemara’s dramatic landscapes to the enchanting Kylemore Abbey. Explore its historic rooms, Victorian Walled Garden, and Gothic Church, surrounded by lakes and mountains. Discover the fascinating story of its Benedictine nuns and wander through Ireland's largest Victorian walled garden. After a day of architectural splendor and peaceful gardens, you'll enjoy a comfortable journey back, carrying the serene spirit of Kylemore with you.
Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at your destination. Your driver provides suggestions based on your interests, helping you spend the day exactly how you want for an experience that's uniquely yours.
Nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain, Kylemore Abbey is a fairytale-like estate steeped in romance and resilience. Built in the 19th century, it later became a Benedictine monastery and a symbol of faith and endurance. Begin your visit with a tour of the Abbey’s opulent rooms, followed by a peaceful walk through the restored Victorian Walled Garden. Continue to the Gothic Church, set beside a reflective lake that mirrors the surrounding peaks. Conclude with tea and local treats at the café before heading onward, enriched by Kylemore’s history and serenity. The Abbey is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5PM, but closed Nov. 19, Dec. 24, 25, and 26. Check the website for opening hours.
Kylemore Abbey is about 42 miles (68 km) from Galway. The drive takes roughly 1 hour via the N59, passing through the Connemara landscape of bogs, lakes, and mountain ranges. The journey itself is one of the great scenic drives in Ireland.
Kylemore Abbey is one of the most photogenic locations in Ireland. The classic shot is from the lake road where the castle reflects in the calm water with the mountains behind. Early morning or late afternoon light works beautifully. The walled garden and Gothic Church also offer wonderful photographic subjects throughout the estate.
Most visitors consider Kylemore Abbey to be excellent value. The ticket covers access to the main house, the Victorian Walled Garden, the Gothic Church, and the grounds. Combined with the stunning landscape surrounding the estate, it offers a rich and varied visit. Admission is not included in the Daytrip price and should be purchased separately.
The abbey is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Nov. 19 and Dec. 24, 25, and 26. It is always a good idea to check the official Kylemore Abbey website before your visit, as hours can vary slightly by season.
Kylemore Abbey is a 19th-century castle estate in Connemara, now home to a community of Benedictine nuns. Visitors can tour the historic state rooms, walk through the beautifully restored Victorian Walled Garden, visit the Gothic Church by the lake, and relax at the on-site cafe. The lakeside setting against the mountains makes it one of the most photographed places in Ireland.
The Gothic Church on the Kylemore estate is a miniature cathedral built in the 1870s as a personal memorial by Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret, who died in Egypt. It sits beside the lake in its own small garden and is one of the most romantic and melancholy spots on the estate. Entry is included with the main abbey ticket.
The walled garden covers about 2.5 hectares and is considered one of the finest restored Victorian walled gardens in Ireland. It is divided into a kitchen garden, pleasure grounds, and a fernery, all enclosed by original stone walls. It is at its most beautiful from late spring through early autumn when plants are in full growth.
The most common route is the N59 west through Maam Cross and on through the heart of Connemara, passing Recess and Kylemore Lough before arriving at the estate gates. The drive is scenic throughout, and your driver will be happy to point out landmarks and viewpoints along the way.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.