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The Ancient Love Story Behind Kylemore Abbey, Co Galway
The lead up to Valentine's Day has got us thinking about the epic love story behind one of Ireland's most treasured landmarks. Flowers and chocolates are lovely and all, but here's the story of a man who gifted his beloved a 13,000 acre lavish estate located deep within the Connemara hills...
The enchanting estate of Kylemore Abbey has long captured the hearts of visitors from all over the world. With sprawling grounds that include a magnificent 33-bedroom castle, a neo-gothic church, and a Victorian walled garden, there's no question why locals and tourists alike are drawn to Kylemore time and again.
Few know, however, about the love story that led the Henry family to begin construction of their castle there on September 4th, 1867.
Mitchell Henry was a British aristocrat, pathologist and eye surgeon who first visited Kylemore in the 1840's while on honeymoon with his wife, Margaret. The Henrys were overcome by the idyllic surroundings and Mitchell was determined to make Kylemore the 'nesting place' for his family, far away from the industrial, smog-filled London where he lived and worked.
The beautiful gothic church a short walking distance from the castle
After inheriting a significant fortune on his father's death, Mitchell bought the hunting lodge in Kylemore where he and Margaret had first stayed all those years ago. With the help of Irish architect James Frankin Fuller, construction on the grand Kylemore house began in 1867 and in addition to 33 bedrooms, the finished abode included a ballroom, library, 4 bathrooms, 4 sitting rooms, a smoking room, gun room, schoolroom, billiard room and multiple offices and studies.
Mitchell regarded the estate as a gift for his beloved wife. This is reflected in the finishings of the castle and grounds, some of which bear Margaret's birth family's coat of arms. The castle's elaborate interior is also said to reflect Margaret's personality and passions.
Margaret was reportedly well-loved by the tenants of her Kylemore estate and embraced countryside life. Tragedy struck in 1874, however, when she fell ill during a family holiday in Cairo, Egypt. She passed away after 2 weeks at the young age of 45, leaving behind 9 children and a heartbroken husband.
To honour his wife, Mitchell commissioned a neo-gothic church to be built near the bank of Kylemore lake and work began on the structure in 1878. The majestic church was Mitchell's final tribute to the wife he so adored.
Mitchell passed away in 1910. He was laid to rest next to his beloved Margaret in a mausoleum at Kylemore woods.
