Located just over one hour from Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and politician. Inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, Henry created an estate boasting ‘all the innovations of the modern age’. An enlightened landlord and vocal advocate of the Irish people, Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence here since 1920. Kylemore abbey is surrounded by woodland and lakeshore walks, magnificent buildings and Ireland’s largest Walled Garden. 

In 2015, the University of Notre Dame and the Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey formed a partnership which would further their shared spiritual, cultural, and educational missions. The Kylemore Abbey Global Centre is located in St. Joseph’s Hall, a self-contained building adjacent to the main Abbey building. Kylemore is located in the picturesque Connemara region in County Galway, approximately 77km from Galway City. Connemara is known for its remarkable beauty, and there are many activities close by. Tours of the Irish-speaking Aran Islands, pilgrimage hikes, visits to a sheep farm, and witnessing the famine trail, are all popular options.

More information can be found at the Kylemore Abbey website and the Kylemore Global Centre website.