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History Talks, Guided Tours & Experiences

Join one of our knowledgeable and friendly Abbey Guides on one of their complimentary daily history talks at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm to hear the story from the Abbey’s beginnings in the 1840’s as a romantic gift to becoming home to the Benedictine Community in 1920. Our Guides rich interest in history and local knowledge will allow visitors to fully engage with Kylemore’s importance locally, nationally and internationally throughout the generations and people who called it home.
Meet at the Guides desk of the Gallery Saloon to sign up for talks.     

History Hunter Map in hand, children are encouraged to join our history talks and to ask our Guides any questions about life in the castle and the 9 Henry children and later schoolgirls who were at home in Kylemore.

History Talks of the Abbey & Tour of the Gardens

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Our guides have an in-depth knowledge of the History of the Kylemore Estate and those who have made their home there over the years. Complimentary talks take place in the front hall of the Abbey, please go to the guides desk to take part in the Talk at the time below.

Talks are available each day at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, & 3:00pm.

The History Talk will take approx. 40 minutes. 

To join other talks across the Kylemore Estate, find out more here!

Specialty Talks

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New for 2024 is a number of specialty talks giving visitors even greater insight into the history of Kylemore. See events page (link) for the daily schedule. Specialty talks include:

  • Victorian Walled Garden Guided Tour  -  delve into the rich history of the garden, discovering the new multi media exploration of this unique garden from its creation as a pleasure garden of great ambition and innovation to its reemergence from the arrival of the Benedictine community.
  • Meet Kylemore's Farm Animals – Some very special talks taking place on the Kylemore estate this summer, meeting our wonderful farm animals including the Connemara Ponies and comical Kune Kune Pigs. Meet the beautiful 'Peaceful' herd and their foals, and learn all about this native breed three times daily. Join Ken & Perry for their morning oats and afternoon talk at the Pig Sty.
  • Mindfulness Walks – Join a guided walk through the Kylemore Woodland. Listen to the streams, the wind through the trees, breath in the cool, fresh air, and for a brief period allow yourself become enveloped in nature as you embrace a slower pace of life.
    Check out all guided tours and scheduled talk times here!

Group & Private Tours

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Group Tours

Groups can book a private tour of the Abbey or the Abbey and Gothic Church, during normal opening hours. An additional charge applies for private tours.
Please contact us for details and to make a group booking.

Contact bookings@kylemoreabbey.com
Please note group tours depend on guide availability.

Private Tours

Groups are invited to pre-book a private tour of the garden, at any time of the year, during normal opening hours. Advance booking is essential to ensure guide availability.
Please contact us for details and to make a group booking.
Contact bookings@kylemoreabbey.com