Page 104 - WDT MAGAZINE IRELAND ISSUE WINTER 2018

A couple of hours out of Galway we entered Conne- mara.
mara National Park with 7,300 acres of scenic moun- Everything was perfect at Kylemore for the Henrys,
tains, bogs, grasslands, and woodlands. The views where the growing family thrived in the outdoor life
were spectacular, especially when we rounded a bend of the “Connemara Highlands” and Margaret became
as got our first glimpse of majestic Kylemore Castle much loved by the local tenants. In 1874, just a few
in the distance. It wasn’t long before a guide toured years after the castle was finished, the family took a
us around the parklike woodland grounds and into the vacation in Egypt where Margaret, only 45, became ill
castle (in the midst of ongoing renovations), church and died.
and walled garden. Margaret’s remains were placed in a modest red
The castle itself isn’t old by Irish standards, but its brick mausoleum in the woodlands of her beloved
relatively short history is fascinating and haunting. It Kylemore. Heartbroken, Mitchell built a beautiful neo-
was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a Gothic Church as a lasting testament to his love for
wealthy businessman, and liberal politician, for his his wife. Although Mitchell remained on at Kylemore,
beloved wife, Margaret. He poured most of his energy life for him there was never the same again. His older
and much of his bank account into creating an estate children helped him manage the estate and care for
that would raise the image of folks in remote Conne- the younger ones, as he attempted to continue with

104 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018