Kylemore Abbey

    Just over an hour from Galway City lies Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland's most fascinating estates. It was constructed in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a prosperous businessman and liberal politician who was inspired by his great love for his wife Margaret and his dreams for Ireland. Henry designed an estate featuring "all the innovations of the modern age", reflecting his progressive values and dedication to the Irish people. An enlightened landlord, Henry invested his life's energy into demonstrating what could be achieved in the remote countryside of Connemara. Since 1920, the Benedictine community has owned and managed Kylemore Abbey.

    You can enjoy woodland and lakeshore walks as well as Ireland's largest Walled Garden. You can also savour wholesome food and delicious home-baked goods at the Café or Garden Tea House. The history talks in the Abbey are held three times per day and tours of the Walled Garden run throughout the summer. I loved the Craft and Design Shop. They sell Kylemore Abbey Pottery and award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine nuns, but I left with some Connemara seaweed spice mix to remind me of Connemara when I'm cooking. 

    As a designer, I couldn't help but notice the exquisite visual identity of Kylemore Abbey—from paper coffee cups to liquor bottles to candles—everything is elegantly adorned with their lovely logo. They also have one of the most perfect slogans ever: "A story so timeless, it's still being written." In conclusion, a visit to Kylemore Abbey is like stepping into a time capsule; it's pure magic.