Discover Kylemore Abbey's Historic Model Farm

Join Architect, Neil Crimmins, and Kylemore Abbey’s Visitor Experience Manager, Melena Hogan, for a fascinating Heritage Week talk exploring Kylemore Abbey’s hidden Model Farm.

Visitors will learn about the unique complex of historic buildings sitting 1.5 kilometres from Kylemore Abbey castle, among them a farmyard, cruciform barn, water mill, weigh bridge, saw-mill house, smithy, piggeries, and stables. The talk will also explore how Mitchell Henry developed the farm into a centre of agricultural and technological innovation during its peak in the 1860s to 1890s, benefiting the entire Kylemore estate and its tenantry.

Despite its historical significance, the Model Farm has fallen into decline over the years. To protect and safeguard one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian model farm in the west of Ireland, Kylemore Abbey, with the support from the Heritage Council, has commenced a Conservation Plan for Mitchell Henry's historic Model Farm. In this talk, visitors will have the opportunity to hear from the architect behind the Conservation Plan and view recently completed topographical survey maps of the farm.

This engaging talk offers an introduction to one of Ireland’s hidden treasures and a first-hand look into the process of caring for our heritage at risk.

Neil Crimmins & Melena Hogan
Kylemore Abbey Castle, Staircase Hall | 1:00pm–1:30pm

• Adult: €18.00 (18–64 years)
• Student: €15.50 (17 years+ or with valid Student ID)
• Senior: €15.50 (65 years+)
• Family: €45.00 (2 adults + 2–6 children under 16)
• Junior Student: €10.00 (13–16 years)
• Child: Free (12 years and under)