5 Acquires Kylemore Abbey Series

5 has acquired Cornelia Street Productions’ three-part observational docuseries A Year at Kylemore Abbey from PBS Distribution.

Narrated by Megan Cusack (Call the Midwife), the series follows the lives of a community of Benedictine nuns and their lay staff over the course of a year as they battle to save their abbey and preserve their 1,500-year-old religious way of life.

It explores how the sisters have diversified the abbey’s operations to secure the future of Kylemore and their community—from hospitality and mail-order food production to conservation, forestry and estate management, transforming Kylemore into a sustainable enterprise that supports dozens of local jobs and attracts more than half a million visitors annually.

The series was originally commissioned by RTÉ. PBS Distribution is handling international distribution.

“It was a privilege to gain such intimate access into the nuns’ daily pattern of work, prayer and silence throughout the key seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter,” said Sarah Sapper, managing director of Cornelia Street Productions. “During this pivotal year at Kylemore Abbey, the sisters talk openly and candidly about the joys and challenges of living so completely for the community, sharing their passion for the demanding—but also deeply rewarding—contemplative way of life.”

Mother Karol O’Connell OSB, Abbess at Kylemore Abbey, commented, “It was a joy to welcome Cornelia Street Productions into our monastery and into the rhythm of life at Kylemore Abbey. Through the series, viewers were offered a glimpse into the Benedictine way of life—from moments of solemn prayer to times of joyful gathering with our community and friends. The program also beautifully reflected the dedication of our lay colleagues, whose daily work across the estate sustains not only a rich and welcoming visitor experience but also the careful stewardship of the environment, heritage and culture entrusted to Kylemore Abbey. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this cherished place and its life with so many.”

“A Year at Kylemore Abbey provides a rare, intimate glimpse into an extraordinary community, weaving a profoundly human story of faith, resilience and the courage to adapt in a changing world,” said Eniela Bella, director of co-production finance sales at PBS Distribution. “We’re thrilled to have 5 on board for this captivating series and to share this remarkable story with our international partners.”

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s head of GB, added, “Tourism Ireland was delighted to support this fascinating new three-part series. This documentary provides an intriguing insight into life at one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites and showcases the strikingly beautiful surroundings of Connemara. Viewers across GB are sure to be inspired to visit.”