Ranging Memories Exhibition Opens at Kylemore Abbey

Launched by P.J. Maloney, Chairman of the Connacht Rangers Association, the exhibition opened with talks on remembrance, military history, and the local men who served during the First World War. Through a series of photographic panels, Ranging Memories traces the story of the Connaught Rangers from their founding in 1793 to their disbandment in 1922, highlighting the people, campaigns, and events that shaped the regiment's 129-year history.

The exhibition's location in Ostyn Hall is particularly significant. Today, 5 November, marks the anniversary of the departure of the Benedictine nuns from their monastery in Ypres in 1914 following the bombardment of the city during the First World War. Led by Dame Maura Ostyn, the community was forced to flee their home before eventually finding refuge in Ireland and establishing their monastery at Kylemore Abbey in 1920.

At the same time, the 2nd Battalion of the Connaught Rangers was engaged in fierce fighting on the Ypres front. These parallel stories of conflict, displacement, and resilience create a powerful connection between the history of the Connaught Rangers and Kylemore Abbey's own story, making Kylemore a fitting home for the exhibition during the Month of Remembrance.

Officially launched in Galway in 2024, Ranging Memories has helped introduce new audiences to the rich history of the Connaught Rangers and the experiences of those who served.