Restoration, Resilience and Renewal Celebrating 25 Years Since the Restoration of Kylemore Abbeys Victorian Walled Garden

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on 150 years of gardening at Kylemore, honouring the vision, dedication, and perseverance that transformed the historic Victorian garden and returned it to life a quarter of a century ago. It also looked to the future, exploring the challenges and opportunities involved in caring for historic gardens in a changing climate.

A highlight of the programme was a keynote address from Kylemore Abbey Head Gardener Anja Gohlke, who traced the rich horticultural history of the garden, from its Victorian origins through to its role as a thriving contemporary garden today. Guests also heard from Sr. Magdelena FitzGibbon OSB, whose vision and leadership spearheaded the restoration project more than 25 years ago.

An all-female panel of respected heritage garden experts followed, exploring the practical realities of restoring and stewarding historic gardens. Discussions focused on balancing heritage conservation with the evolving demands of modern garden management, biodiversity and climate resilience, while ensuring these important cultural landscapes remain relevant and accessible for future generations.

The afternoon continued with a special guided walk through the Victorian Walled Graden led by members of the original restoration team. Visitors were given a unique opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of the research, craftmanship and dedication involved in the restoration project, as team members reflected on their memories of brining the garden back to life.

Guests also enjoyed a heritage apple tasting in the restored glasshouse, led by Claire Woods, Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle, who introduced a selection of traditional apple varieties from Hillsborough Castle's historic Walled Garden in County Down. The tasting offered a fascinating insight into the importance of preserving heritage fruit varieties and Ireland's rich horticultural traditions.

The celebration concluded with asymbolic moment as Ulick Joyce, who began his journey as part of the original restoration team and remains a valued member of the garden team today, rang the garden bell to formally close the year-long anniversary celebrations. Thre moment carries special significant, as the celebrations had begun one year earlier when Ulick and Sr. Magdelena FitzGibbon OSB range the bell together to launch the anniversary programme.

Reflecting on the occasion, Anja Gohlke said:

"It is a pleasure to be here today, joined by colleagues, peers and fellow garden enthusiasts, to celebrate the remarkable work, dedication and vision that brought about the restoration of Kylemore Abbey's Victorian Walled Garden 25 years ago.

I feel privileged to have been part of that journey over the past quarter of a century. Today is an opportunity not only to reflect on and honour the legacy of those who helped restore this very special garden, but also to look ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, as we continue to care for and share the beauty and heritage of Kylemore Abbey's Victorian Walled Garden."

The anniversary served as an important reminder of the enduring value of historic gardens, not only as places of beauty and horticultural interest, but also as living heritage sites that require ongoing care, adaptation and investment,

For Kylemore Abbey, the occasion celebrated both the achievements of the original restoration and continued responsibility of safeguarding this unique garden for future generations. As environmental and climate challenges continue to shape historic landscapes, the experience of Kylemore's Victorian Walled Garden demonstrates how heritage gardens can evolve and thrive while preserving the charterer, history and stories that make them so special.

Today, the Victorian Walled Garden remains one of Kylemore Abbey's most treasured features, connecting its Victorian past with its vibrant horticultural present, and inspiring visitors from around the world with a story of restoration, resilience and renewal.