Kylemore Abbey explores 'Heritage at Risk' for National Heritage Week
NATIONAL Heritage Week 2026 takes place from August 15 to 23, and Kylemore Abbey is inviting visitors to explore this year’s theme, 'Heritage at Risk', through a diverse programme of talks, exhibitions, storytelling, traditional music, heritage trails, and conservation-focused events.
Building on the Heritage Council’s call to reflect on the places, traditions, skills and landscapes that require our care and attention, Kylemore’s programme will explore the three pillars or heritage: built heritage, natural heritage, and cultural heritage.
A highlight of this year’s programme is the Kylemore Abbey Heritage Trail, an interactive self-guided experience that takes visitors across the estate to discover heritage sites, conservation projects, and restoration work that are helping to safeguard Kylemore’s unique heritage. Visitors can scan QR codes throughout the trail to access exclusive video content featuring gardeners, architects, craftspeople, specialists, and members of the Benedictine Community sharing the stories behind their work.
The trail will highlight locations including the neo-Gothic Church, Victorian Walled Garden, historic glasshouses, boathouse, waterfall, bothy, and toolshed, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing efforts to preserve the estate for future generations.
Natural heritage will be explored through showcasing biodiversity and conservation projects across the estate, including the protection of ancient woodlands, the removal of invasive rhododendron, the cultivation of heritage plant varieties, and the preservation of Kylemore’s historic collection of exotic trees originally planted by Mitchell Henry more than 150 years ago.
Cultural heritage events throughout the week will celebrate Ireland’s rich traditions through storytelling, music, song, and dance. Highlights include traditional Irish storytelling with Joe Greaney, Irish harp performance by Caitriona Moskovskova, and The Unbroken Line: Connemara Music, Song, and Dance, featuring Emma O’Sullivan, Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin and Johnny O’Halloran.
Visitors will be invited to learn about Kylemore’s lesser-known historic treasures through a display of newly completed topographical survey maps of the nearby Kylemore Victorian Model Farm. The maps are part of a wider conservation plan which has been made possible through the support of The Heritage Council, and a talk with conservation architect Neil Crimmins will explore the ongoing efforts to develop the conservation plan for what is one of the best examples of a Victorian Model Farm in Ireland.
For those unable to visit in person, Kylemore Abbey will share a series of Heritage Week videos online, exploring topics ranging from monastic life and traditional craftsmanship to biodiversity, conservation, restoration, and the people working to protect Kylemore’s built, natural, and cultural heritage.
Speaking about the programme, Melena Hogan, abbey experience manager, said: “Heritage Week provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight not only the heritage we see around us every day, but also the people, skills, and traditions that help preserve it. This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, allows us to showcase the conservation, restoration, and stewardship taking place across the Kylemore Estate, while encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of caring for our shared heritage for future generations.”
Full details of Kylemore Abbey’s Heritage Week programme, including events, talks, and online content, are available at kylemoreabbey.com and on Kylemore Abbey’s social media channels.
Please note that advance booking is required for the Irish storytelling event with Joe Greaney. See kylemoreabbey.com for booking information and event details.