Kylemore Abbey

“Smug castle, zero chill.”

Kylemore Abbey. Right, picture this: a castle that became a monastery, then became a legend. It started in 1920 when Benedictine nuns fled Belgium during the First World War, looking for a safe harbour in Connemara. Smart move, honestly. They settled into the old castle grounds, turning stone into sanctity. You walk in and it’s not just a pretty postcard, it’s a working spiritual hub. Since 2022, it’s been under the English Benedictine Congregation, managed by The Kylemore Trust for the nation. But don’t let the serious heritage stuff put you off. You see the lush gardens, the massive castle facade, and you realise it’s one of Ireland’s top attractions for a reason. It’s grand. I’m just here to bask in the glory, and maybe steal a look at the nuns’ daily routine. They’re probably judging your shoe choice, by the way. Stay humble, lads.

Photo: Textman at Dutch Wikipedia ( Original text: Textman ), CC BY-SA 2.5

Then Tom went looking for the oddest places around it.

Stop 2 · Hop back in the car, 5 minutes

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church

“Rogue pigeon, big chaos.”

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Letterfrack once saw a pigeon fly through the stained glass during a sermon. The whole congregation gasped, then just carried on like nothing happened. Tell me if you see any rogue birds lurking nearby today.

What the record says

Freestanding four-bay gable-fronted church, built 1925, facing north, having bellcote to gable over projecting Romanesque-style order entrance entrance, projecting side chapels to east and west elevations, vestry and toilets to west elevation and porch to…

From the Buildings of Ireland (National Inventory of Architectural Heritage) record 30329007

Photo: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0

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Stop 3 · A short walk away

Keelkyle Bridge

“Bridge too cool for school.”

Keelkyle Bridge has a bad poem about it written on a napkin somewhere: 'It spans the water, quite nice.' The limestone blocks are snecked so tightly not even air can get in between. It connects Clifden and Letterfrack without asking for any credit. Go on a wet day, it shines best then.

What the record says

Single-arch road bridge spanning River Owenga, built c.1810. Snecked limestone construction comprising elliptical arch, gunnelled to soffit and interior of abutments, with dressed limestone voussoirs and rubble limestone parapet with rendered coping. Recent…

From the Buildings of Ireland (National Inventory of Architectural Heritage) record 30329004

Photo: Newbert12, CC BY-SA 4.0

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Stop 4 · A 20-minute spin away

Tullyconor Bridge

“Drunk engineer, nice arch.”

Tullyconor Bridge ended up here because the engineer got drunk on the wrong side of the arch. Its stepped abutments look serious, but they’re really just showing off their engineering muscles. Tell your mates you found this gem.

What the record says

Single-arch limestone road bridge, built c.1820, spanning Bunowen River. Comprising round arch with rubble stone voussoirs and gunnelled soffit. Lightly dressed rubble stone piers with flanking stepped-profile buttresses. Radially arranged stonework to…

From the Buildings of Ireland (National Inventory of Architectural Heritage) record 30401103

Photo: Newbert12, CC BY-SA 4.0

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The whole day on one map

See everything else around Kylemore Abbey →

Over a million places across Ireland and Britain, all free. Explorer Tom has a story for nearly every one.