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Head Gardener's House at Kylemore Abbey

Step back in time at Kylemore Abbey's Head Gardener's House, offering a glimpse into Victorian horticultural life within a stunning walled garden.

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Overlooking the meticulously maintained Victorian Walled Garden, the Head Gardener's House at Kylemore Abbey offers a glimpse into the privileged life of the estate's head gardener in the late 1800s. The house provides a perfect view of the garden and the workers tending it.

A brief summary to Head Gardener's House

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and fresh beauty of the garden.
  • Check the local events calendar for gardening workshops or guided tours for a deeper experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden paths can be uneven and extensive.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of Kylemore Abbey, follow the signs towards the Victorian Walled Garden. The walk is approximately 1.3 kilometers and should take around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a shuttle bus is available from the main entrance to the gardens, departing frequently. The Head Gardener's House is located within the walled garden, overlooking the grounds.

  • Public Transport

    Take Bus Eireann route 419 or 423 to the Kylemore Post Office stop. From there, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the entrance of Kylemore Abbey. Follow the signs for the Victorian Walled Garden, either walking (1.3km) or taking the shuttle bus from the main entrance. Bus fare from Galway to Kylemore Post Office: Approximately €13-€17 one way.

  • Car

    From Galway, take the N59 towards Clifden. Kylemore Abbey is located on the N59, approximately 80km west of Galway. There is free parking available at Kylemore Abbey. From the parking area, follow signs to the main entrance and then to the Victorian Walled Garden, either by walking or taking the shuttle. The Head Gardener's House is located within the walled garden. Parking: Free.

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Discover more about Head Gardener's House

The Head Gardener's House, situated within Kylemore Abbey's Victorian Walled Garden, offers a unique perspective on the estate's rich horticultural history. The house provided its occupier with a perfect view over both the garden and the workers. Built in the late 1800s along with the castle and gardens, the Head Gardener's House reflects the importance of the head gardener within Victorian society. Unlike other garden buildings, the main structure of the house remained intact. Over the years, it has housed guests of the Benedictine nuns, including a local family who lost their home to fire in the 1970s, and German travel writer A.E. Johann. The interior is preserved to give visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the head gardener and his family. Period furnishings and displays evoke the era, offering insight into the gardener's responsibilities and status. The Victorian Walled Garden itself is divided by a mountain stream, with the Head Gardener's House situated in the eastern half, alongside the formal flower garden, glasshouses, and garden bothy. The western part features the vegetable garden, herbaceous border, fruit trees, a rockery, and a herb garden. The garden showcases plant varieties from the Victorian era.

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