Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

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Kylemore Abbey, former home of Dr. Mitchell Henry built in the 1860s Kylemore Abbey, former home of Dr. Mitchell Henry built in the 1860s

After my post yesterday showing the beauty of the lake and mountain on which Kylemore Abbey is situated here is a more focused image of the building, once the home of a wealthy London Doctor called Mitchell Henry.

Kylemore was built in the late 1860s and Mitchell Henry later went on to become MP for the area, in 1875 after the death of his wife who was from County Down he spent less time in Connemara. He built a memorial church for her which is still there today hidden amongst the woods.

In fact, Kylemore comes from the Irish Coille Móire meaning large or big wood - an unusual sight around these parts.

See yesterday's post of reflections from the lake at Kylemore here: https://panoramicireland.com/photo-tours-blog/kylemore-abbey-connemara-galway-west-ireland-reflections

By 1903 Kylemore Abbey was in new hands but in 1920 Benedictine nuns forced to leave Ypres in Belgium during World War I bought it and established a school, both boarding and for local day pupils.

Kylemore Abbey ceased being a school in 2010 but it still remains a popular tourist destination especially for its walled garden - a place that I have visited many times over the years.

One of its most famous pupils was Anjelica Huston, actress, director and daughter of John Huston - director of The African Queen, The Maltese Falcon, A Farewall to Arms, Moby Dick and The Dead amongst others.

Connemara is an area that I photograph in often, leading photography tours in the western region covering landscapes, coast and heritage.

Join me and find out more here: https://panoramicireland.com/photography-workshops-ireland/residential-4-day-photography-workshop-galway

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Last modified on Saturday, 08 August 2020 21:10
Darren McLoughlin

Irishman and International travel photographer in search of the best bits of Ireland. Leading photography tours and experiences in Ireland.

Contributor to New York Times / Sunday Times / Irish Times / Echtra Echtra and Eonmusic

Cancer survivor.

Ask me about travel in Ireland or about photography in Ireland.

https://darrenmcloughlin.com

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