Kylemore Abbey is thrilled to unveil its exciting lineup for Heritage Week 2024. This Saturday, August 17th, to Sunday, August 25th, Kylemore Abbey dives into this year’s theme: Roots, Networks & Connections. Over eight days, both online and in-person events promise an enriching exploration of the Abbey’s rich history and heritage.

Kylemore Abbey is delighted to announce four exclusive events, featuring two online historical talks, a step-by-step video guide to a newly launched free app, and an in-person presentation that will showcase a truly remarkable addition to the collection: the coronation robes and crown worn by the Duke of Manchester. These events, led by expert history guides Gerrit Nuckton and Anne Burke, will immerse you in the fascinating stories woven into Kylemore’s legacy. The digital events are easily accessible via The Heritage Week website, making it easier than ever to be part of this engaging celebration.

Speaking about the events, Kylemore Abbey’s CEO, Conor Coyne remarked: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase the coronation robes and crown of the nineth Duke of Manchester, William Angus Drogo Montague. We would like to pay special homage to the Duke’s descendant, Lord Nicolas Hodgkinson Montague for trusting us with his ancestors’ robes, and to The Heritage Council for facilitating the funding for a special case to display the robes and coronet. It’s exciting but also very important to Kylemore, to preserve our connections with previous generations of the estate.” 

In-Person Event:

Kylemore will hold an in-person event on Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th of August at 1 pm. Lord Nicholas James Hodgkinson Montagu, the heir to the dukedom of Manchester, has very kindly given his family’s ceremonial parliamentary robes and coronet, to Kylemore Abbey, where they will be on permanent exhibition in the Main Hall of the Abbey. These will help bring to life the colourful and intriguing stories surrounding the 9th Duke of Manchester and his wife Helena (née Zimmerman), who were the owners of the Kylemore Estate between 1903 and 1913. Come along to listen to interesting facts all about the Duke & Duchess of Manchester and the robes & coronet that the Duke wore for King Edward VII’s coronation in 1902. Located in the Abbey Main Hall at Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden. These onsite talks for Heritage Week are complimentary with regular admission to the estate.

Kylemore is hosting three digital events which are live on The Heritage Week website: https://www.heritageweek.ie/ or https://www.kylemoreabbey.com/. Led by knowledgeable history guides Gerrit Nuckton & Anne Burke. The three topics focus on the following:

Digital Events:

 The Inspiring Women of Kylemore – How women such as Margaret Henry, The Duchess of Manchester & The Benedictine Nuns shaped the creation and evolution of Kylemore.

Guess Who Came to Dinner – Kylemore Abbey has always been a hub of hospitality and creativity, welcoming figures like Lady Augusta Gregory and Thomas McLaughlin. Join the history guides as they discuss Kylemore’s fascinating connections with these distinguished guests.

Discovering the Rich History and Heritage of Kylemore Abbey has never been easier – Visitors can now explore this rich history through a newly launched free app, complete with an easy-to-follow video guide offering a preview of the Abbey’s treasures.

Heritage Week at Kylemore Abbey shows a journey of connections through time, filled with stories that continue to inspire. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with Kylemore’s past, present, and future. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden is open from 10am-6pm 7 days a week.