Ireland 2023 Part 2

May 20, 2023 – Day 3 Connemara

It was overcast as we drove through the Connemara region to the Kylemore Abbey. I had visited Kylemore Abbey on my trip in 2019. On that trip I spent most of the time at the gardens and therefore didn’t have time to tour the actual Abbey. On this trip I took the shuttle out to the gardens, saving about 30 minutes. Although the walk is gorgeous, I knew I wanted to do more on this visit. Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Nuns. The grounds include a restored abbey, Gothic church, craft shop, restaurant and walled garden. It was initially built as a castle in 1868. The property was purchased by Mitchell Henry as a love token for his wife Margaret. They developed the estate and spent 35 years at Kylemore Abbey. Henry sold the property to the Duke of Manchester, William Angus Drogo Montague, and his wife Duchess of Manchester, Helena Zimmerman. They made major changes, removing much of the Italian inspired interiors, large stained glass window, and large quantities of Connemara and Italian marble. The Benedictine Nuns took up residence in 1920 and still reside in Kylemore Abbey. From 1923 to 2010 there was a boarding and day school for international and local girls. 

The Victorian Walled Garden is 6 acres. There are two distinct gardens; the Kitchen Garden and the Flower Garden. The garden was built on the warmest and brightest spot on the estate. There is good drainage and a mountain stream provided water. Two glasshouses, the head gardener’s house and the workman’s bothy have been restored. 

In addition there are meandering paths through fields, meadows and woodlands. You can see waterfalls, as many as 24 species of trees, Connemara ponies, Ken and Gloria ( the resident pigs – I’m glad they didn’t call Gloria, Barbie), chocolate kitchen where the Benedictine nuns make delicious chocolate, Gothic Church built by Mitchell Henry in memory of his wife Margaret, Mausoleum where Margaret and Mitchell Henry rest together. I love visiting Kylemore Abbey. I’d suggest at least 3-4 hours to be able to make the most of a visit and not feel too rushed. 

Four years ago the mountain was amass of rhododendrons in bloom. This year I noticed that the rhododendrons were not as advanced, nor were the gardens, but still a gorgeous place to visit. So much to see and do.

It was suggested by our driver, Dennis, to have the apple pie and warm custard. I did. WOW!!! I’m not much for apple pie but quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. Perhaps the warm custard made it so. Delicious. 

We drove around the Killary Fjord which provided breathtaking views. 

We had light showers this afternoon and heavy rain in the evening. We were on free time and all I did was find a pub for some supper. 

A slight crisis this evening as I inadvertently locked my keys in my suitcase and locked the suitcase. Don’t ask how or why, it happened. The first porter broke the cutters he was using. He told me he’d be back with a stronger person. He returned with a second guy but had no luck with larger cutters and a strong set of hands. They decided they would go to the kitchen and borrow a saw but I’d have to wait until the kitchen closed around 9:30. I posted on Facebook about my dilemma and received a few suggestions to Google it. I did and what do you know? Yes, Google and I are now best friends. If it ever happens to you just take a blunt pen, stick it between the zipper teeth and the zipper will pop open. I tried doing this on a secondary zipper first and it worked and I was able to re-zip the zipper. I quickly went to the reception desk to cancel the porters, and the saw. 

A wonderful day and even the rain didn’t dampen our spirits. I hope you enjoy travelling with me on this trip. Please leave a comment if you like. All photos taken by myself unless otherwise noted.