On 25 May last, Sr. Madeleine Cleverly invited members of Headford Lace Project to Kylemore Abbey in Connemara to practice our lace skills and to view the Kylemore Abbey lace collection.

The event was attended by committee members, Eilis, Giulliana, Anne, Ger, and Norma. Our lacemaker friends Colette, Marina, Mary, Barbara, Marie and Marguerita joined us too. We enjoyed the ‘Kylemore Experience’, visited the Abbey, explored the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden, savoured the delights of the food hall and of course the gift shop.

Dr. Damien Duffy, Archivist, showed us lace by Mary of Modena, a benefactor of the Irish Dames of Ypres, who were predecessors of the Kylemore Benedictine nuns. They were based in Ypres,Belgium and relocated to Kylemore Abbey in 1920 after World War 1. The nuns saved this exquisite piece of lace from the destruction of the war and we were privileged to view it.

We were delighted to welcome lace collector, Caroline Feehan,  who travelled from Tyrone to be with us. She brought a wonderful collection of embroidery, needlework, lace and related items for us to view and admire. We gained an understanding of lace history and the lace was a joy to behold.

Ger gave a short talk on the Bonnet Project and displayed some examples.