THE sight of President Connolly welcoming the Connemara pony mare Park Ruby and her foal Peaceful Pippa (Peaceful Spartan) is one that evoked pure patriotic pride this week. The ponies, affectionately known as the “Peaceful Ponies” of Kylemore Abbey, will spend the summer welcoming visitors and international dignitaries to Áras an Uachtaráin.

The initiative by Kylemore Abbey is the continuation of both the estate’s dedicated promotion of Ireland’s native pony to a global audience and of Irish presidential links to the Connemara that spans decades. Both Kylemore Abbey and President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, are deeply rooted in Galway, making the visit a fitting tribute.