Kylemore Abbey

On Thursday morning, we drove about 1.5 hours northwest of Galway to Kylemore Abbey. Built by Mitchell and Margaret Henry in 1867 as a summer home for their family (they had 9 children!), it is now home to a Benedictine community of Sisters. In addition to the Abbey, there is a Gothic style church, which Mitchell built in Margaret's honor after she passed (how romantic) and a traditional Victorian walled garden that is meticulously manicured.

We picked this spot out as a "must visit" in the very early stages of our planning for this trip and it did not disappoint. We spent 4 hours on the property, taking it all in, having lunch, walking the mile and back to the Victorian walled gardens...

Our first glimpse of the Abbey from the road, across the lake it overlooks.











The interior.





Everywhere you turn in Ireland, there is a place to pray for Mary's intercession.

The Abbey and the Sisters' mother house.



The Gothic chruch that was recently renovated--and was recognized as the best historical renovation in Ireland during the first half of this decade.





One of my favorite prayers (even more beautiful when sung). A copy was in every pew.




The crypt.
He lived 36 years more, without his beloved.




On to the gardens. It was such a peaceful, quiet walk.

Connemara National Park

Just a stone's throw from Kylemore Abbey was Connemara National Park. Compared to Killarney National Park, which we visited on our honeymoon, this one was quite small. It offered a great view of the landscape and was a nice 1/2 hour hike.