I have read some posts that there are two separate tours to buy at the Abbey. Is one better than the other? Should we do both? Our mom walks slowly with a cane, but we will also have a wheelchair if that would be doable. Thanks.

Barbara

I think you should just look at it. It is beautiful the way it reflects in the water. We just looked at it and took beautiful pictures, so can't say what is inside.(following Rick Steves advice.) There is a garden tour which might be worthwhile, depending on when you are there. We were there in March so did not take the tour.

I think the tour of the inside is fairly limited, as Kylemore is an active girls school. However, you can wander the grounds, see the recently restored gardens, and go inside the little chapel. I loved the chapel, also recently restored. The architect drew on the best features of Europes great cathedrals when he designed it.

The Abbey is lovely but not necessarily a don't miss if your mom has mobility problems. The gardens, on the other hand, are fabulous and if you and your mom enjoy gardens, I would say they are a don't miss. As I recall, you take a small van from the abbey to the gardens and then can enjoy the gardens for as long as you wish. Your mom may not be able to walk around the gardens too much--they are set in a hillside---but there are benches where she can rest and see the whole vista while you could explore in more detail.

I do not remember what the pricing schemes were as we knew we wanted to do both the abbey and gardens.

I just looked at it. It's absolutely stunning. And there's a gift shop right there. I didn't feel the need to go across the pond to view it close up. I was afraid the close up image wouldn't be as good as the one from the distance!

The tour of the Abbey is pretty limited; about four rooms. The walk to the chapel is beautiful. I don't remember if there were different proces for each, but I wouldn't do the Abbey again. The chapel is beautiful.

Bill

I was there in february of this year. Defintely walk the grounds, but it is not worth the 5 Euro admission to go inside.

We were just there last week! We did not take the tour. What a beautiful setting.....great photo place! My hubby looks very handsome standing in front of it. I enjoyed viewing the lovely items in the gift shop. Have a wonderful time!

I agree, the tour is not necessary. The grounds are beautiful.... just wander around a bit and enjoy.

some useless information - apparently Madonna will be sending her daughter, Lourdes, to school in Kylemore Abbey!

I did not go on an official "tour" but just wandered the rooms that are open to the public. There is a beautiful victorian garden that is an additional cost but really lovely. Just past the garden cisitor offices they have a shuttle to take you up to the Abbey. I thought it was worth it when the flowers were in season. Its nice for an afternoon.