Connemara, Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

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Connemara, Ireland features the Sky Road scenic drive and Kylemore Abbey, set amid beautiful green hills lined with stone walls in the west of Ireland. It is a region of coastal views, rolling farmlands, open meadows, winding country roads, and the big attraction, Kylemore Abbey, which is one of Ireland’s great castles that was a former private estate, then a girl’s school operated by Benedictine nuns.
Kylemore Abbey has become the most popular visitor attraction in the west of Ireland, famous for its beautiful mansion on the lake and extensive gardens all around -- certainly one of the most beautiful sites you’ll ever see.
The Abbey is easily reached on a day-trip from Galway city, which makes an ideal home base for exploring the majestic beauties of this area. You’ll find that Galway is a great town for strolling along its pedestrian main street with many shops and restaurants, including numerous pubs with live Irish music on offer. There are many fine hotels in Galway in a variety of price ranges to give you a good place to rest.
It’s just a quick look at Galway for now, which we show more of in our other Irish movies, then we’ll take you on a spectacular drive through Connemara and around the famous Sky Road, with some of the best views in Ireland, on our way to Kylemore Abbey, the main star of this show.
You’ll see that getting there is half the fun, driving north from Galway through the scenic grandeur of Connemara, passing through the villages of Moycullen and Oughterard, then stopping at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.
That Sky Road scenic loop follows the famous coastal route west of the town of Clifden, with miles of stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and shoreline communities. We did quite a bit of stopping and getting out of the van while driving through Connemara to enjoy the landscape, take a good look at and snap some pictures, and stop for some shopping at a traditional Irish gift shop.
Kylemore Abbey is one of the great highlights of Ireland. It was a former private mansion. And then it was a Benedictine Abbey, and became a private school for girls, and now it’s a major tourist attraction as you can see because it's so beautiful here on the lake. There is also a large flower garden, two places to eat, and lovely walking paths to explore the extensive grounds and stroll along the lakeshore. It really is a wonderful spot to see in Ireland.
Probably the best part of the visit is simply looking at the Abbey across the beautiful lake. But you also get to go inside and tour the former mansion, and explore the surrounding property.
The Catholic girl school was operated by Benedictine nuns and it was open from 1923 until it closed in 2010. There's still an order of Benedictine nuns who live here and operate the facilities. We had a chance to speak with Sister Magdalena, one of the nuns who tells us about the Abbey.
You could walk from the Abbey to the gardens, but it is about half a mile. And so they provide a shuttle bus to bring you from the Abbey over to the garden. You can walk around and then take the bus back again.
As described on their excellent website, the Victorian Walled Garden is an oasis of splendor in the wild Connemara Countryside. First developed in the early days of the Castle during the late 1800s it once boasted 21 heated glass houses and a work force of 40 gardeners. One of the last walled gardens built during the Victorian period in Ireland.
In earlier years the garden fell into decline and became completely overgrown, with brambles and trees hiding all traces of it’s former glory. The Benedictine nuns began an extensive program of restoration in 1995 and in the year 2000 the Garden was opened to the public. The Garden is divided in two by a beautiful mountain stream that runs through a small shaded fernery, an important feature of any Victorian Garden.
We then finish with a music video showing more of the scenic landscapes of Connemara and the Sky Road.

[@marsixii]

watching tourists videos to see their perspective of my country is really educating, i am truly lucky to live here

[@noreenroux4041]

My parents were born in Ireland. Can’t wait to see where they were born. Unfortunately they are both gone. 3 years is our plan with our children. I know in my heart they will be watching over me.

[@Discover-Ireland]

You can’t beat Connemara it’s my favorite place ,, but you got to get off the beaten track to really see the true Connemara.

[@Plasticpaddy88]

I was born and raised in London till I was twenty. When I went to Connemara/ Galway on holiday visiting family I met the love of my life so decided to move over and try living here, it’s been twelve years now and two kids later and I’ve loved every minute of it.

[@quasimodo614]

What a lovely story 🤗

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

I was born in Paris and lived in England for seven years never visited Ireland my biggest regrets …

[@tonydonoghue3303]

Ireland is such a magical place. .anyone who has ever visited for the first time. Will always want to return. Time and time again. .it's our little piece of heaven here on erith 😀. ..but don't tell everyone 😀..

[@sineadhennessy9450]

Thank you what a lovely thought x

[@elayneblystone7889]

If I could, I'd move to Ireland. It's so beautiful , people are terrific , food is superb, so much to see and it's not humid there!

[@husanbano1133]

A public comment

[@BarbaraFox-w9z]

Planning a trip to Ireland in 2024. This was a really interesting and informative video. It will help us to decide where to start our journey, Thank you

[@denniscallan]

Glad it was helpful. I have 23 Irish videos in this playlist you would enjoy: kzbin.info/aero/PLke86NFI6R8w9lztYxNpFoB4jYJ6L41Ll

[@cryptojack4933]

Looking at it from afar, the castle looks like it was made with LEGOS! Beautiful!

[@seangrogan3622]

I love the Americans who visit these shores with their golf clubs and large automobiles. It plays havoc with the movements of the sheep about the boreens, but evokes such a sense of shared heritage that not even the wind off the mighty Atlantic can dampen the spirit

[@sevenseconds8652]

I can never get too much of Ireland 😍😍😍❤️

[@tuberjr]

never stops raining so wear wellingtons and carry an umbrella.

[@helenaville5939]

​@@tuberjr Based on this sunny video and the many others I have watched here on KZbin, it certainly does stop raining. ❤

[@seangrogan3622]

@@helenaville5939 It's an illusion played on you by the mighty Atlantic, which is waiting in the wings to lash you with the next dram of water without whisky. Only joking, the sun also doffs his cap on occasion at the unwitting tourists

[@arturjohnsondasilva2408]

I visited Connemara two times. I love!

[@peterrees8847]

What a beautiful Abbey -one of the highlights of our 2018 visit to Ireland

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Nicely done! Thank you!

[@LoveIreland]

Kylemore Abbey and Connemara is some of our favorite places to visit.

[@ingedoepfmer837]

An informative, well made Video! Thx

[@ColleenC-n5v]

Breathtaking☮💜✝💜☮

[@Tomryan07]

When the virus is over, I would recommend going to the Glen Of Aherlow! Stunning woods and views!

[@Tomryan07]

In the south of Co Tipperary

[@Synchronicety]

there isn't and there wasn't ever a virus! there just is a criminal cabal. There is no need to believe me. Find it out!

[@Tomryan07]

@@Synchronicety so do u think people faked deaths and cases, went to the bother of putting up hand sanitizer and floor markings of 2 meters and let go a load of staff to fake a bloody virus? Honestly people these days

[@Synchronicety]

@@Tomryan07 yes i do Random, because i know the postulates of Robert Koch and all these sience and medicin lies. Do you know the history of pandemies or epetemics? One needs no conspiracy theory anymor if you know the praksis. Dream on♪ But i know, how you thinking and what you mean, i really do!

[@freedomunltd]

@@Synchronicety Well said Stnchro, you know the score - thank god people are waking up to this assault on humanity using covid as a trojan horse in which to covertly implement their diabolical evil plan! They can shove it!

[@lourdesnunez5878]

Thanks for sharing this videos of beautiful places which cannot be reached by people like me who cannot afford to go out of our country, the Philippines. Well, am contented following your videos...thanks a lot...stay safe & God bless.

[@eamonndawson5329]

Nice video, there are many other very beautiful parts of Connemara to see as well one of my favourite places to explore.

[@denniscallan]

thanks for the info

[@bernarddelaney2485]

A lovely portrayal of my favourite part of Ireland. Well, part of it, as there is so much to see in the Connemara region.

[@DianeD862]

Was there last year wonderful we are going to kenmar this year come to Ireland every year we hire cottages would live there if I could just love the Irish people and Ireland love it love Diane xxxx looking forward till next time 💚💚💚🍀🇮🇪🎄🐸

[@jacquikelly7929]

Really enjoyed this journey looking around Connemara, hope one day to see it for myself.

[@choob171]

Our family visited Connemara and Kylemore Abbey in May 2017. The drive through the Connemara Lakes (Loughs) was simply beautiful. Kylemore Abbey is a gem estate . The walk to the Abbey through the estate was memorable, with the fresh air and the scenery. We find peace with nature , enjoying God's creation. The Abbey itself and the Victorian garden is a wonder ! It is in the good hands of the Benedictine Sisters and hope it stays this way. We are Singaporeans , and if we come back to Ireland again, we will revisit this place.

[@chrisbutler9158]

I stayed at Castlebar in October and visited Kylemore Abbey, it's beautiful, also visited Galway. I would love to go back there.

[@laserbeam002]

WOW. What a beautiful video. Thank you for posting.

[@arunachulashiva]

Beautiful. Thanks very much! Hope to take that trip next time I'm home.

[@petercdowney]

My Dad lives in the rural village of Murrisk in County Mayo. He knows Kylemore Abbey very well.

[@anthonymcloughlin5128]

Connemara and the Sky Road are absolutely beautiful I always love driving through. I remember the first time I drove out of Clifden to the Sky road my breath was taken away by the emmence beauty simply stunning. P.s. If you ever do go to Clifden don't forget to have a meal in Mitchells restaurant it won't disappoint.

[@geraldneary1948]

A lot of nice things there

[@aradhanabiswas4431]

Beautiful

[@MrKurmann]

went to Ireland last year over 5 days but missed Kylemoore Abbey. indeed, beautiful country, hope I can go again

[@gertrudmuller4479]

IT was the Sky Road where I fell in love with Ireland in 1986. I went to Galway again and again. Later I also went to Cape Clear Island. ( much less people). It was my second home for a long time. (now it's the Gobi Dessert (much much less people!)

[@keilafsc]

Just wonderfull! I Loved Ireland!

[@philippepeltier2881]

merci pour cette vidéo qui me rappel mon sèjour sur cette magnifique irlande

[@brianosullivan1550]

Well Done! Great video showing the Beauty of Our Emerald Island. Thanks 😊🙏✝️♎☸🕊🇮🇪🙏👍

[@denniscallan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@36isnotold]

Spending a couple days in Galway, looking forward to it..seems like a cool little big town to wander in and out of stores and pubs. I h ave to make a point to drive via sky road...looks lovely 5:15

[@arundhawan6724]

Thanks for Sharing natural beauties of Ireland, It is so beautiful, Liked it and Enjoyed it, A Big Thanks.

[@alyceprice5537]

I enjoyed the wonderful stories and scenery. I will be 83 yrs old in July 2021 I have purchased many items from "Gerard", beautiful hand carved animals such as a horse head,Owl,Pig, Elephant 3 to 5". A beautiful Connemara Marble 14" crucifix with corpse.Gerard's father carved it. Gerard has in Castlebar,County Mayo,Ireland. His company is Lisbach Marble Ltd. He makes Connemara rings,bracelets,key chains,necklaces,earrings all authentic Connemara Marble. Since my grandparents came from Swinford,Mayo. I like to pass on to my great grand niece and nephews a part of their heritage. Alyce Price

[@Kieran46100]

wow, wonderful video, thanks a million

[@prairiecatmeow8778]

Video is super sharp! Loved being able to see lots of details! Thanks!

[@kutubuddinbangalore]

Hey Dennis amazing explanation I really liked it. Keep uploading the amazing tour videos ...

[@TatianaCelticWind]

Beautiful tour of Ireland, thank you. Going to Ballynahinch Castle soon !!

[@barhawley123]

Loved the video!

[@dopapier]

Very nicely done. Good voice over and camera work. Thanks.

[@virginiavieu3383]

Thankyou for a beautiful video.

[@eamonaugustine1262]

Did ye stop in Westport on your trip . Great coastal town. Has Croagh patrick mountain. Lord Altomount Estate and the famous Westport House with ZOO. Wesport is a beautiful town , historical. It has won the tidy town many times. And best place to live in Ireland. Sin e

[@lyndafouhy7645]

Loved the journey. Coming from NZ they definitely drive on the correct side of the road. Would have loved to see some Connemara ponies. Thank you for my vicarious journey.

[@denniscallan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@n2shoebiz]

Thanks for sharing... Just added this route to our itinerary in 3 weeks!

[@markoneill8188]

So what did u think lolol

[@johnc4774]

Really enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@jacquelinerobertson1034]

I would love to visit sounds wonderful 😊

[@awkward-stranger]

Bless you, sister, you please God.

[@yvonnethompson8758]

Thank you for this. You reminded me from whence i came!

[@АндрейБорода-б7ы]

Очень красиво, спасибо

[@denniscallan]

translation: Very nice, thank you

[@williamwallace2278]

National Pk is beautifully bleak, wouldn't want to break down.and no signal. My dads county. Used to visit Claddaghduff every year as a boy to see my aunts/uncles

[@tomdowning9089]

The best part of Connemara was missing in this video, as you only see about 10 seconds of the stunning landscape of the State Park there. Rugged beauty. As another as stated, don't tell everyone, Ireland is a great place to travel!

[@sevenseconds8652]

When I saw the island with the pines, I thought I was in a dream

[@jucarfamily2058]

Thank you Dennis

[@alexfernandohuenten1374]

wonderful lake.

[@slaneyside]

you struck gold with the weather, i've been to Galway and had rain sleet snow and sunshine all in one day.

[@helenaville5939]

Still many lovely videos on KZbin showing Ireland in the sunshine. How beautiful it is even when it rains. ❤

[@borderreiver3288]

A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY TO VISIT ESPECIALLY THE WEST COAST....

[@csucsucsucsuka8356]

Patrick at 1:35 :D like an old furniture of shop street !

[@joekelly6789]

beautiful , thanks

[@geraldneary1948]

All very good

[@neosandy]

Dennis has the best job ever

[@RC-om2xe]

👍☘️

[@tearitloosetearitloose4670]

The "e" in Connemara is more of a "uh".

[@commane21]

That was driving me mad.

[@brendanlynch537]

Mhaith an buachaill, Dennis!

[@michaelportaloo1981]

10:32 nice view

[@cathybinns-yw7vi]

So the Galway to Kylemore abbby loop is a day trip?

[@denniscallan]

yes

[@johncooke8959]

After Kylemore, return to Galway via Cong, where the Quite Man was made

[@flynnjp19]

It's pronounced...Cann'a'mara...not Conn'i'mara, nonetheless, a great video

[@TheOzziespectator]

pity about the chemtrails????

[@sarahann530]

@@TheOzziespectator You must have breathed in alot of chemtrails in your day , their effects are showing

[@walterdeling8536]

Number one are the Cliffs of Moher

[@kevinruddy448]

But it's not in mayo 🍀🙁

[@erin19030]

I'd rather live there than America!

[@matthewshepherd5390]

The tour guide sounds more Scottish than Irish

[@thomasjamesmccormack1693]

the trip who be even better if it took in killary fjord

[@kmcb14]

The driver/tour guide sounds Scottish more than Irish

[@eamonbrennan6443]

Please, please .... The E in Connemara is Silent. If you were there?, did you hear anyone say Conn E Mara?

[@grahamfleming9179]

Like Scotland the word is loughs/lochs not lakes abhail tuigsinn sassenach!

[@pillardelaney4726]

Ireland is such a beutiful place. But I preferred the old way's Some times for a Country you have the ( Turismo) as a way to make money. Still I think is like the rest of Europe ? .Full of people ,car's, etc etc . Not the way I remember .

[@frankstabler1920]

Nice video, but please learn to pronounce Connemara!

[@catherinecronin3365]

Frank Stabler can't believe that every Irish person who has ever watched this hasn't made the same comment.It's not so bad the first few times you hear it but after a while it grates on the nerves.

[@sentimentaloldme]

A place I know right well. Go halainn at fad 🇮🇪

[@unaontour]

it's not conneymara

[@bernicemarinelli1675]

Innis mor ireland

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

It’s pronounced Con-a-mara not Connie-mara

[@Cumbriahandyman]

Hate it when people upload videos of Ireland and tell fibs...

[@geraldneary1948]

Troll.

[@heatherrussell8255]

Hey, be nice, John. Be kind. If you don't like the video, move on.

[@Plbay335]

A big shout for the benedictine nuns😊