Kylemore Abbey

Slap-bang in the middle of nowhere, this neo-Gothic building set in the wilds of Connemara, has been a grand estate, nunnery and school, and is well worth the visit out of civilization to get to, if only for the picture-postcard view of the site across the lake. The history is fascinating, the scenery amazing, the memories of your visit everlasting. Highly recommended is the mountain hike and Abbey entry combination ticket, which gives you a real feel for the rugged terrain of the area before you enter the building.