5 has acquired Cornelia Street Productions’ three-part ob doc series on Ireland’s Kylemore Abbey for UK broadcast later this year.
The show centres on one of Ireland’s most recognisable landmarks and follows the lives of a community of Benedictine nuns and their small army of lay staff over the course of a year, as they battle to save their iconic abbey and preserve their 1500-year-old religious way of life.
Narrated by Megan Cusack (Call the Midwife), A Year at Kylemore Abbey (3 x 60 mins) tracks major milestones including the opening of a new monastery and retreat centre, the election of a new Abbess, alongside the day-to-day realities of running one of Ireland’s most visited heritage sites, as they work to future proof their historic religious community in the face of rising costs, falling vocations and increasing pressure from tourism and climate challenges.
Sarah Sapper, Managing Director, Cornelia Street Productions, says: “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. 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.”
The show was originally commissioned by RTÉ.
Eniela Bella, Director of Co-Production Finance Sales at PBS Distribution, says: “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. We’re thrilled to have 5 on board for this captivating series and to share this remarkable story with our international partners.”
Kylemore Abbey is executive produced by Sarah Sapper and David Kerr from Cornelia Street. It was commissioned for RTÉ Religion & Society by Roger Childs with funding from Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision Scheme and Tourism Ireland. The series was ordered for 5 by Cherry Vantreen, Director Acquisitions and Co-Productions. PBS Distribution is handling international distribution.
Jon Creamer
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