Restoration, Resilience and Renewal: Kylemore Abbey Celebrates 25 Years Since the Restoration of Its Victorian Walled Garden
A special anniversary event explored 150 years of horticultural heritage, the challenges of historic garden restoration and the future of sustainable garden stewardship.
Kylemore Abbey marked 25 years since the restoration of its Victorian Walled Garden with a special anniversary event on Saturday, 10 October, bringing together horticultural and heritage voices to reflect on the garden’s remarkable history and its future in a changing climate.
Titled Restoration, Resilience and Renewal, the event explored 150 years of gardening at Kylemore, celebrating the restoration work and incredible vision of the Benedictine nuns of Kylemore Abbey that returned the historic garden to life a quarter of a century ago and examining the ongoing work required to preserve Ireland’s horticultural heritage for future generations.
The programme featured a keynote address by Kylemore Abbey Head Gardener Anja Gohlke, who traced the garden’s 150-year horticultural history, from its Victorian origins to its place in the contemporary landscape, followed by a contribution from Sr. Magdalena FitzGibbons OSB, the Benedictine Nun who spearheaded the restoration efforts over 25 years ago. An all-female panel of heritage garden experts followed, exploring the practical challenges of restoring and stewarding historic gardens, including the importance of balancing heritage conservation with the evolving demands of garden management and climate change.
The day concluded with a special walk through the Victorian Walled Garden, led by members of the original restoration team from 25 years ago. The walk offered attendees an opportunity to hear first-hand about the work, expertise and commitment involved in bringing the garden back to life 25 years ago as the team reminisced about their research and work. There was also a heritage apple tasting session in the restored glasshouse led by Claire Woods, Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle, who had brought a variety of heritage apples from their walled garden in Co. Down.
The celebration ended with Ulick Joyce, who started as part of the restoration team and continues to be a vital part of the team, ringing the garden bell to symbolically end the year long celebration which began when Ulick and Sr. Magdalena FitzGibbons OSB rang the bell together on October 13th 2025.
The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring value of historic gardens, not only as places of beauty and horticultural interest, but also as living heritage sites that require continued care, adaptation and investment.
For Kylemore Abbey, the milestone celebrated both the achievements of the original restoration and the ongoing responsibility of safeguarding the garden for future generations. As climate change and environmental pressures present new challenges for historic landscapes, the experience at Kylemore offers valuable insights into how heritage gardens can continue to thrive while retaining their historic character.
Anja Gohlke, Head Gardener at Kylemore Abbey, said: “It is a pleasure to be here today, joined by colleagues, peers and fellow garden enthusiasts, to celebrate the remarkable work, dedication and vision that brought about the restoration of Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden 25 years ago.
I feel privileged to have been part of that journey over the past quarter of a century. Today is an opportunity not only to reflect on and honour the legacy of those who helped restore this very special garden, but also to look ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, as we continue to care for and share the beauty and heritage of Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden.”
The Victorian Walled Garden remains an important part of Kylemore Abbey’s heritage, connecting its Victorian past with its continuing horticultural work today. The 25th anniversary of its restoration offered a moment to recognise the people whose work has sustained the garden and to consider how their legacy can inform the future of historic horticulture in Ireland.
