KYLEMORE Abbey’s Connemara Pony mare Park Ruby and her filly foal Peaceful Maisie embarked on a journey from the heart of Connemara to the Irish National Stud in Kildare recently.

Now in its third year, the collaboration between two of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions celebrates the heritage of the Irish horse, and a shared commitment to sustainability and education.

This year’s trip was a little different however, as it was taken in one of Kylemore Abbey’s HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) vehicles which have been introduced as part of the Abbey’s efforts to become a leader in sustainable tourism.

After introducing the native pony breed to the estate in 2019 to enhance its biodiversity, Kylemore was awarded the Most Sustainable Business Award in 2021 at the Galway Chamber Awards.

International audience

“The partnership with The Irish National Stud is hugely important to us in Kylemore Abbey as we both share a great love for Irish equine, which we promote to a large domestic and international audience,” said Kylemore CEO Conor Coyne.

“The partnership allows the approximate 100,000 equine enthusiasts who visit the Irish National Stud each summer the opportunity to see and learn more about this beautiful native Irish breed, while allowing Park Ruby and Maisie the opportunity to enjoy the lush grass of Co Kildare and a chance to run alongside racehorse legends.”

The arrival of Park Ruby and Peaceful Maisie at the National Stud gives visitors the rare chance to see Connemara ponies up close in the heart of Thoroughbred country, grazing alongside the famous residents of the stud, including the Irish National Stud and Gardens’ ‘Living Legends’ team of retired champions Faugheen, Hurricane Fly, Beef or Salmon, and Sizing John.

The mare and foal chosen to make the trip this year holds a special significance for the community of Benedictine nuns at Kylemore. Park Ruby, who was gifted to the Abbey from Terranova National Park in Canada, gave birth to the first and only filly foal in Kylemore this year.

The Benedictine community chose to name that foal “Maisie” after their former Abbess, Sr. Máire Hickey who passed away earlier in the year.