How much is Kylemore Abbey tourism worth to the Galway-Mayo region?

A treasure trove of fascinating insights and statistics are contained in a newly released study on Kylemore Abbey. 

Kylemore Abbey’s impact is estimated to be worth €91.5M to the Galway-Mayo area and supporting 1,850 jobs (directly and indirectly) in the region, according to a new study.

Another statistic to jump out was the 144,000 chocolate sheep produced at the abbey last year.

In addition to the chocolate sheep, 20 Connemara pony foals born on the estate since 2020, with 624 daily pony talks for visitors.

READ MORE: Mayo architect’s monastery design voted Ireland’s favourite building at the RIAI Awards 2025

The Kylemore Abbey Economic and Social Impact Study 2024 details the economic significance of Kylemore Abbey to the Galway – Mayo region, as well as highlighting some of the main social impacts under The Kylemore Trust’s strategic focus areas of Sustainability, Hospitality, Heritage, Education and Spirituality.

It presents an independent economic study by Fitzpatrick Associates.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, thanked Mother Karol and the Benedictine Community for sharing their home with so many visitors and for their drive and ambition, saying that “without Kylemore Abbey [the region] would not only be economically poorer, but socially and culturally poorer also”. Minister Calleary went on to stress the importance of social enterprise and commend Kylemore Abbey for its significant contribution to the Galway-Mayo region.

Founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1920, and now a thriving visitor attraction and social enterprise, Kylemore Abbey draws on centuries-old monastic values of stewardship, hospitality, and dignity of work, to conserve its historic estate, welcome visitors from across the globe, and provide meaningful employment in one of Ireland’s most remote and beautiful areas. All funds generated through tourism and philanthropy are reinvested to preserve the Abbey and enhance the lives of those who live, work, learn, pray, and visit there.

The new report, brings together an Economic Report commissioned from Fitzpatrick Associates, and a Social Impact Report collated through the collection of information from across the Kylemore Estate, both elements of the report illustrate the scale of Kylemore’s influence:

• 572,000 visitors from 82 countries in 2024
• Support for 1,850 jobs across Galway and Mayo
• An annual expenditure impact of €91.5 million to the region
• 16% of staff resident in the Gaeltacht regions of Galway/Mayo
• Removal of 33,500 sq. meters of invasive species, underscoring a commitment to sustainability
• 95% of expenditure on labour good and services in Ireland – 70% in Galway-Mayo and 100% of capital spend in Ireland with 97% in Galway-Mayo
• Over 103.5 million global viewers were introduced to Kylemore Abbey and Connemara through major TV features centered on the Estate 

The independent economic impact report by Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants is an update to a previous study in 2019 (based on 2018 data). At that time Kylemore Abbey was estimated to support 1550 jobs and was worth €59M to
the region. The 2024 shows significant growth in the 6-year period, 19.3% jobs growth and a 55% increase in related expenditure.

The Economic and Social Impact Report is published two weeks after the launch of the Kylemore Estate’s Masterplan which lays out a 20-year vision for development and sustainability at Kylemore, and which places the conservation of the built and
natural heritage and the continued growth of enterprise and employment at its core.

Speaking on behalf of the Kylemore Trust, Executive Director, Liz McConnell said “Kylemore is committed to being a force for social good – bringing social, cultural and economic benefits to one of Ireland’s most beautiful and remote areas, while holding in trust for the Irish nation a special place of heritage, spirituality and natural beauty. This Report presents the unique  contribution which Kylemore makes to the Galway-Mayo region – not just in economic terms but also highlights the many social benefits it brings to Connemara and beyond.

READ MORE: Kylemore nuns move into monastery designed by Mayo architect

For over a century, Kylemore Abbey has welcomed people from Ireland and around the world, offering hospitality, tranquillity, and inspiration. With its continued focus on conservation, ecological sustainability, and social responsibility, the Abbey remains a beacon of opportunity, enterprise, and benevolence in the heart of the west.

The full report is available to read here