Travel Thursday, Kylemore Abbey Grounds

This week is a continuation of last Travel Thursday, where I visited Kylemore Abbey. As I said before, we didn’t have a ton of time at Kylemore and unfortunately we weren’t able to visit the Victorian Walled Gardens (due to weather and time of year, in addition to time constraints). However, we were able to wander around a small part of the grounds and find the cathedral that Henry built in honour of his wife. While the weather was perhaps a tad prohibitive, it still made for some very striking and dramatic photos to look back upon. This post is rather image heavy, and I hope that you enjoy my memories of the grounds at Kylemore!
This is the Gothic Church that Henry built for his wife, a tiny cathedral built to honour his late wife, Margaret. It doesn’t look that small for an estate church, but when you realise the amount of detail and work that went into it, it really starts to amaze you. Originally, this was an Anglican church (given that the Henry family was originally from England and were actually allowed to buy this property…) but became a Catholic chapel when the property was taken over by the Benedictine order.



I should think that only about 30 people would fit comfortably in the chapel at any one time; I would love to see one of the musical performances that the guidebook talks about, if for no other reason than to hear the acoustics of such a tiny cathedral. I believe that people do get married here. If you are in the market for a reeeeeeeeeally tiny venue, look no further! (No need to worry about the groom’s side or the bride’s side, it’s just the one side.)


Although this is not the largest or most intricate stained glass window that I have ever encountered, I think that is is beautiful nonetheless. I also love the soft, warm lighting- it really enhances the design and colouring in the window.

As a Canadian, and a snowy Canadian at that, I love the look of frost on trees! I loved wandering about the property for a little bit; the paved path makes it very accessible, and you are rewarded with a gorgeous view no matter where you are. I have to say, Henry probably won husband of the year for purchasing this estate for his wife.

This lake was gorgeous to look at, but I can’t say that I’d be first in the queue to get in a boat on it. Looking at the wind and waves that day, I can’t help but think you would probably end up quite wet and quite cold.










I don’t know why, but the fact that these sheep are wandering about without a care in the world is still entertaining to me, all of those years later. I appreciate that they know that the estate is theirs, and that they go wherever they want! I would personally love to see them up at the main house…

Overall, I think that Kylemore Abbey is one of the most stunning estates that I have seen- although it was only March, it was still so green and full of life (foreign concept to this prairie girl), and busy in its quietness.
What is at the top of your travel bucket list?
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!