President Catherine Connolly welcomes Connemara mare Ruby and her foal Pippa to Áras an Uachtaráin, who were accompanied on their journey to Dublin by Mother Karol O’Connell, OSB, Abbess at Kylemore Abbey. Photo: Maxwells

Kylemore Abbey’s Connemara ponies return to Áras an Uachtaráin

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THIS summer, one of Ireland's best-loved native breeds will once again take up residence at Áras an Uachtaráin, as Connemara mare Ruby and her foal Pippa travel from Kylemore Abbey to graze the front lawn of President Catherine Connolly’s official residence.

Bred in the landscape of Connemara, the Connemara pony is the country's only native pony breed, renowned worldwide for its temperament, intelligence and versatility.

The ponies, affectionately known as the 'Peaceful Ponies' of Kylemore Abbey, will spend the summer welcoming visitors and international dignitaries to the Áras, continuing a partnership that captured the public's imagination when it was first introduced during the pandemic.

President Connolly was on hand to welcome Ruby and her foal, who were accompanied on their journey by Mother Karol O’Connell, OSB, Abbess at Kylemore Abbey.

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