Heritage Week 2025 kicks off nationwide on August 16, and Kylemore Abbey is celebrating this year’s theme, “Exploring Our Foundations”, by offering a week of onsite and online talks, guided nature walks, and live music.
Daily onsite talks and performances in the recently renovated Fordham Hall will explore themes such as the history and restoration of Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden, the development of monastic life in Ireland, and the cultural heritage of sacred and classical music. Visitors can enjoy traditional harp music by Caitriona Moskovskova and Lynn Saoirse, and a classical concert featuring piano and clarinet by Barbara Dunne and Damian Morrissey.
For those who wish to explore the estate’s natural landscape, there will be two guided nature walks led by Kylemore’s Biodiversity Officer. This will encourage visitors to explore the rich flora, fauna, an ecosystem that shape Kylemore.
For those unable to attend in-person, there will be a series of behind-the-scenes online videos shared on social media. Kylemore’s History Guides will delve into rarely seen heritage items, such as Victorian hot water bottle and traditional gardening tools. Two new YouTube videos will also highlight the natural landscape surrounding Kylemore and the story behind its historic lime kiln.
This year’s theme is especially fitting, as we celebrate 25 years of restoring the magnificent Victorian Walled Garden at Kylemore, a testament to the creativity and commitment that have shaped Kylemore’s heritage.
Kylemore Abbey is open daily from 10am-6pm. More details on Heritage Week events are available at www.kylemoreabbey.com and on Instagram and Facebook.
