In 2022, 73,956 plastic bottles were removed from use with zero single use plastic bottles sold since; meanwhile, 20 Connemara pony foals have been born on the Kylemore Abbey estate since 2020, with 624 daily pony walks for visitors. These two statistics are not usually top of the list presented; the considerable economic impact of its project’s success along with the rebuilding and other construction efforts are, but in their own way they show the scale of the achievement at Kylemore Abbey and the Benedictine Monastery in Connemara.
Next week members of the Kylemore Abbey team will travel to America to show their gratitude to supporters on this side of the Atlantic.
“This would not have been possible without the generous support of U.S. friends and benefactors,” said Kylemore Executive Director Liz McConnell. “Prime among these supporters in the USA is Dan Cremins, COO of Kalikow, a tireless supporter over the years. I am delighted he has stepped up again to sponsor our gala reception in the 101 Club in the Kalikow Building on Park Avenue on Nov. 4. This gathering of our friends and supporters will celebrate and give thanks for the completion of the Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey.”
Two weeks ago, on Oct. 13, Kylemore Abbey celebrated the 25 years that have passed since the restoration of its Victorian walled garden.
The Benedictine Nuns of Kylemore Abbey were founded in 1665 in Ypres, Belgium. Since 1920, they have made their home at Kylemore, living their monastic life of prayer and work “ora et labora” according to the Rule of St Benedict, in the beauty and tranquillity of Connemara.
Last year, they completed the most important project in their 350-year history: a new Monastery, Education & Retreat Centre for the growing community of nuns and the many pilgrims who visit. It was voted Ireland’s favourite building in 2025, winning the prestigious RIAI Public Choice Award.
The main entrance to the new center.
Mother Karol O’Connell, OSB, Abbess, said, “On behalf of the entire Benedictine community at Kylemore, I wish to offer our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude for all the support that we have received over many, many years. The road to completing our new Monastery was long, and involved a great deal of perseverance - on the part of the nuns, as well as those who contributed in such a variety of ways to bringing this dream to fruition. When we finally took up residence in July 2024, we knew we had come home, and words are not sufficient to convey what a marvelous blessing this has been for us.”
Enabled by the new Monastery the Benedictine nuns now offer:
* A program of contemplative Retreats & Courses for all
* Events for the wider community, focused on their Benedictine values
* A Vocations Programme with Monastic Internships
* Residential retreats for those seeking spiritual renewal
* Scholarship for those in need of financial support for retreat or vocation programmes
* Special initiatives in music, monastic craft, heritage and archives
* Future projects include restoration of their monastic church and enhancement to Kylemore’s magnificent heritage gardens.
A statement from the Kylemore team said, “They have been a force for good in Ireland and beyond. Their endeavors have preserved the natural beauty and heritage of Kylemore; educated generations of young women; their enterprise has created valuable local employment. Each year they welcome 500,000 visitors into their monastic home.”
Originally built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry, a pro-Home Rule Member of Parliament for Galway, inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, the estate boasted “all the innovations of the modern age.”
It was founded as a Benedictine monastery following the traumas of World War I on the Continent and is now a thriving visitor attraction and social enterprise. Kylemore Abbey draws on centuries-old monastic values of stewardship, hospitality, and dignity of work, to conserve its historic estate, welcome visitors from across the globe, and provide meaningful employment in one of Ireland’s most remote and beautiful areas.
All funds generated through tourism and philanthropy are reinvested to preserve the Abbey and enhance the lives of those who live, work, learn, pray and visit there.
The event of celebration and thanksgiving for those who’ve helped with Kylemore’s Monastery campaign will take place on Nov. 4 in Club 101, near Grand Central Terminal, from 5.30 - 7 p.m.
For more information, email development@kylemoreabbey.ie or to make a tax effective gift click here.
