Abbey News

The Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (International Communion of Benedictine Women) gathered for a symposium at the Collegio Sant’Anselmo in Rome, Italy in September 2026, attended by Mother Karol O’Connell of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception at Kylemore Abbey and approximately 100 Benedictines from six continents. The CIB was established in 2001, forming a global network…

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a monastery? From August 24-30, nine women had that opportunity as part of the “Monastic for a Week” experience. Their daily schedule involved joining the Benedictines of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception at Kylemore Abbey for the hours of the Divine Office and Mass,…

This summer, one of Ireland’s best-loved native breeds will once again take up residence at Áras an Uachtaráin, as Connemara mare Ruby and her foal Peaceful Pippa travel from Kylemore Abbey to graze the front lawn of President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly’s official residence. More than just a picturesque summer tradition, the visit celebrates an…

St. Benedict Week at Kylemore Abbey will feature a number of special events from July 11 to July 19 at the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception. On Saturday, July 11, Mass for the Feast Day of St. Benedict will include the blessing of St. Benedict medals. On Sunday, July 12, at 4:00 PM, Brother Colmán…

On Thursday, June 25, the Benedictines of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception at Kylemore Abbey were pleased and grateful to receive an icon of the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles, written by artist Susan Kelly von Medicus. The icon was created in egg tempera, mineral pigments and 23K gold leaf. Susan is a professor…

The 100th General Chapter of the English Benedictine Congregation is taking place at Kylemore Abbey from June 29 until July 9, 2026. The EBC was refounded in 1621 after the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. The General Chapter usually takes place every four years to discuss matters of importance and to make decisions…

The Benedictines of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception at Kylemore Abbey will be joined for the 12:15 Mass in the monastery chapel on Saturday, June 6, by the Piccolo Lasso children’s choir, the junior choir of Dublin Choral Foundation CLG, directed by Dr. Ite O’Donovan. The choir will lend their voices to the music…

As spring 2026 graced the grounds of Kylemore Abbey with colorful blossoms, so the Peaceful Connemara Pony family was graced with the addition of three foals. Peaceful Áras, the first born, was named by the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, during her visit to officially open the newly restored Labourers’ Bothy & Toolshed in the…

The Romanian Association of Music Performers (UCIMR) held the First Edition of the ICon Arts Ireland Academy from May 1-4 at Kylemore Abbey, part of the 24th Edition of the ICon Arts Transylvania Academy. During the Kylemore event, masterclasses were organized in: • Chamber Music — coordinated by Adrian Mantu, Andreea Banciu and Aileen Cahill•…

In late April, Michaela Wachendorfer facilitated a contemplative retreat in German at the newly renamed St. Benedict’s at Kylemore Abbey – formerly known as the Farm House. Not only newly renamed, but also completely renovated, St. Benedict’s offered the Swiss and German retreatants privacy, a place for prayer and time together, with opportunities to share…