Kylemore Abbey Welcomes EU Climate Attaché Group

Kylemore Abbey was delighted to welcome a delegation of EU Climate Attachés this summer as part of Ireland's EU Presidency programme, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the unique natural heritage, history, and sustainability initiatives of the West of Ireland.

During their visit, the delegation explored a number of key areas across the Kylemore Estate, gaining first-hand insight into the Abbey's ongoing commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and innovation. The programme included a biodiversity presentation led by Kylemore Abbey's Biodiversity Officer, Inez Streefkerk, alongside Dr. Gesche Kinnerman of the University of Galway, highlighting current research and conservation efforts taking place across the estate.

Guests also enjoyed guided tours of the historic Victorian Walled Garden, the castle building, and Kylemore's hydroelectric station, which continues to demonstrate how innovation has been embedded in the estate's operations for almost 160 years. These visits showcased the careful balance between preserving a nationally significant heritage site while embracing sustainable practices for the future.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the Kylemore team to discuss some of the environmental challenges facing the region, including the ongoing management and eradication of the invasive species Rhododendron ponticum, which poses a significant threat to native biodiversity and woodland ecosystems throughout the west of Ireland.

Kylemore Abbey is proud to contribute to conversations around climate action by demonstrating how heritage, conservation, scientific research, and renewable energy can work together to protect Ireland's natural and cultural landscapes for generations to come.