Cathal BarryNegotiations between Kylemore Abbey and a top Catholic University in the US to establish a third level educational facility at the Benedictine monastery are “close” to reaching an agreement.
Kylemore Abbey Abbess Sr Maire Hickey, OSB, told The Irish Catholic she was “engaged in ongoing negotiations” with the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Indiana, “with a view to establishing a Notre Dame third level educational facility at Kylemore”.
“In this process, Notre Dame was attracted not just by the brand and ethos of Kylemore and the beautiful location, but particularly by the presence of a committed Christian community there that forms an essential part of the infrastructure of the educational experience in their vision. We’re close to having something signed and sealed soon,” Sr Hickey said.
It is understood that the facility will accommodate about 50 students and faculty undertaking a diverse range of summer courses with a focus on Irish history, literature, geology, music and culture.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure that Kylemore remains a place of education in the Benedictine tradition into the future,” the abbess said.