Oak trees were among the group of trees which dominated the Irish landscape over 10,00 years ago, and the name "Kylemore" originates from the Irish words "Coill Mor" meaning Big Wood, a reference to the hanging wood on the north side of the lake at Kylemore.

In the late 19th century, as he developed the Kylemore estate, Mitchell Henry planted thousands of trees. These were mostly native Oak and some conifers on the mountain together with a huge variety of saplings gathered from around the world.

Some of the trees planted by Mitchell Henry can still be seen on the Kylemore estate today but, through the intervening years, the elements have taken their toll on many.

In 1995, continuing this tradition, the Benedictine community at Kylemore Abbey decided to undertake a reafforestation programme and 10,000 indigenous broadleaf trees were planted.

Kylemore Abbey plantations of Oak and Ask trees are almost now fully dedicated, thanks to the generous contributions of our Forest Friends.

These plantings are making a significant contribution to the regeneration of the woodlands at Kylemore.

The Benedictine Community wishes to continue this reafforestation programme and the next phase of plantings of broadleaf native Irish trees will begin in the fall of 2011 to ensure the continuing future of Coill Mór.

To enable the Benedictine Nuns to accomplish this project, you are invited to participate in this next phase of planting.

You can assist by sponsoring a tree, giving someone a truly unique gift by enrolling them as a Forest Friend of Kylemore Abbey.

The tree can be given in memory of a loved one who has died, or to celebrate an important event such as a birth, marriage, birthday or anniversary.

Each sponsor is issued with a certificate inscribed with the specified name and unique sponsorship number (trees are not numbered). The sponsorship of a tree is $55 or €50.

A record of all names and addresses of sponsors, along with the dedication written in calligraphy is always on display in the Visitor Centre. Specific entries in this book may be viewed by prior arrangement.