This year, for the first time, Kylemore Abbey will be offering a programme to encourage people of all ages to “Open the Door to Heritage” and embrace National Heritage Week 2021.
History, Myths, & Tall Tales from Kylemore Abbey will run from August 14th to 22nd with a programme of largely online resources being launched to encourage families to learn about the fascinating legends and stories which contribute to history of the Kylemore Estate.
Each of our heritage week stories will become available here during the week so take a look at the enthralling tales you will get to enjoy.
And if you want to “Imagine a Castle” like Kylemore Abbey for yourself, enjoy the workbook, slideshow and videos below that teach children about life in a Victorian castle for all family members.
History, Myths,& Tall Tales from Kylemore Abbey…
Introduction to the Myths and Legends of Kylemore, Pollucapul and Léim na h’Eilte. Stories of a magical white horse from Tír na nÓg and a phantom deer being chased by Chu Chulainn’s hound and how they shaped the area surround Kylemore castle are all part of the first story of the series.
Available from 12pm – Monday 16th
Na Páistí Muca (The Little Pig Children). This is a new story, inspired by the estate, and is full of fun and mischief. This particular story is dedicated to our resident Kune Kune pigs Ken and Gloria.
Available from 12pm – Tuesday 17th
The Milk Jug. The moral of today's story is, even if you have very little if you share it with someone who has less, good will come to you for that deed. The story is dedicated to the people of Connemara, who always shared what little they had an inspired by the tradition of changeling stories in Irish folklore.
Available from12pm – Wednesday 18th
The Smoothing Iron. For generations children and adults from all over the world having been casting their wishes at the Smoothing Iron in Kylemore, but have you ever wondered how it got there or just what makes it so special? In today’s story, Eithne O’Halloran tells us a tale of quarrelling Giants and the magic they unleashed.
Available from12pm – Thursday 19th
The Tale of Dastardly Dan. The Fairies are a huge part of Irish myth and folklore and until recent years and even as is evident in some of todays’ practices (for example, never ever cut a whitethorn tree!), the Irish people knew to respect the Fairies. If only Dastardly Dan Quigley heeded such advice…learn the Tale of Dastardly Dan and his encounter with the Fairies.
Available from 12pm – Friday 20th
The Very Hungry Giant. Another tall tale today, in fact a very tall and hungry one of a ferocious Giant and a brave young man! Today, Abbey Experience Manager, Eithne O’Halloran, tells us the story of The Very Hungry Giant of Leím na hEílte!
Available from 12pm – Saturday 21st