Kylemore Abbey

The N59 runs east from Letterfrack up the valley of the River Dawros to the Kylemore loughs, nestling amid hills. This area is at its most beautiful when the rhododendrons and fuschias are in bloom. To the left, above the first lough, stands the palatial Kylemore Abbey, built in the 19th C. as a country house by a wealthy merchant and now occupied by Benedictine nuns. Part of the abbey is used as a girls'school; other rooms are open to visitors in summer and fall (opening times given). There is a restaurant and craft center.