Special Edition of Nationwide from Kylemore Abbey RTE1 7PM Monday March 2nd

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens will feature on a special dedicated episode of Nationwide RTE 1, this Monday, March 2nd at 7pm. Presented by Anne Cassin, Nationwide is one of RTE’s flagship programmes which transcends the rural urban divide and has a dedicated audience over a wide demographic. This week’s episode was filmed over three days at Kylemore and looks at many facets of the life of the Benedictine nuns at Kylemore as they celebrate their Centenary year. The order arrived at Kylemore on December 4th, 1920, finally finding a permanent home in Ireland after fleeing war torn Europe at the start of WW1.

Anne Cassin speaks to members of the Benedictine Community at Kylemore including the Mother Abbess, Maire Hickey OSB, M. Magdalena FitzGibbon OSB, who is well known for her work in developing the Kylemore estate over many years, Sr. Genevieve Harrington OSB who runs the Soapery and Chocolate Kitchen at Kylemore and Sr. Karol O’Connell OSB who runs the beloved music school at Kylemore. Also featured will be key staff at Kylemore including Abbey and Gothic Church manager, Eithne O’Halloran, Head Gardener, Anja Gohlke, Executive Director of the Kylemore Trust, Conor Coyne, and Communications Specialist for Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, Jessica Ridge.

The programme will give an insight into the history, current community life and future plans of this ancient order of nuns who are currently in the process of building a new Monastery at Kylemore. M. Maire explains the mission of the community and their plans to bring a new era of growth and continued spirituality with the first female Benedictine monastery to be built in Ireland for over 400 years. This new home for the community will welcome visitors – monastic and lay – seeking a place of tranquillity, prayer and pilgrimage. Most importantly it will ensure the space and environment to support new vocations.