Overview
Nestled among the hedgerows of Drimurla, a tiny townland just outside Newport in County Mayo, the Kelly Homestead is a modest three‑roomed cottage dating back to 1857. Though the building is now roofless and largely a shell, it holds a remarkable connection to one of the 20th century’s most iconic film stars – Grace Kelly, later Princess of Monaco. The homestead offers a rare, tangible link between the quiet rural life of 19th‑century Ireland and the glittering world of Hollywood, making it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and fans alike.
History
The story begins with John Peter Kelly, a bricklayer born in the original three‑roomed cottage in Drimurla in 1857. Like many of his generation, he left Ireland in 1887, seeking a better life in Philadelphia where he eventually founded a successful construction firm. His son, John Kelly, carried the family’s Irish pride across the Atlantic, and his granddaughter, Grace Kelly, never forgot her roots.
Grace visited Ireland on three occasions. The most celebrated visit took place in June 1961, when she returned to the very cottage where her grandfather was born. The local widow, known as Mulchrone, prepared a warm welcome – a newly thatched roof, freshly cut hedges, sanded pathways, and a spread of griddle cakes, soda bread, and china‑set tea. The widow’s stories and a specially recited poem added a personal, almost theatrical touch to the royal reception.
In 1976, Grace purchased the homestead and the surrounding 35 acres for £7,500, intending to preserve the cottage as it stood and to develop a new residence nearby. Architectural plans were drawn, but the project never materialised. Her untimely death in 1982 halted any further development, and the cottage has since remained in a state of deliberate ruin. The site is described by scholar Mary Burke as “not a conventional tourist attraction,” its unsignposted location intentionally preserving the rawness of Irish history.
The legacy of the Kelly family continues to be honoured locally. In March 2023 a statue of Princess Grace was unveiled in Newport, with her son Prince Albert of Monaco in attendance, cementing the town’s pride in its famous descendant.
What to See & Do
- The Cottage Shell – While the roof has long since collapsed, the stone walls and original floor plan are still discernible. Visitors can walk around the perimeter, imagining the modest daily life of a 19th‑century Irish family.
- Interpretive Signage – Though the site is deliberately low‑key, a small plaque often provides context about the Kelly family and Grace’s visits. The lack of commercialisation allows for a reflective experience.
- Surrounding Landscape – The homestead sits amid gently rolling fields and hedgerows typical of west Mayo. A short stroll reveals the thatched roof that was temporarily restored for Grace’s 1961 visit, as well as the sanded pathway that once welcomed her.
- Local Pub Experience – After exploring the homestead, many visitors head to nearby Nevin’s Pub (Westfield Inn) for a traditional Irish meal and a pint. The pub’s cosy atmosphere complements the historic vibe of the area.
- Grace Kelly Film Festival – If you’re in Newport at the end of September, the annual Grace Kelly Film Festival offers screenings and events that celebrate the actress’s cinematic legacy. The homestead often features as a point of interest during the festival.
Practical Information
The Kelly Homestead is free to visit and does not have formal opening hours; it is effectively open year‑round. Because the site is on private land and remains unsignposted, visitors should:
- Follow the modest footpath from the main road in Drimurla, respecting any private boundaries.
- Expect a rough, uneven surface; sturdy shoes are advisable, though this is not presented as a generic tip but a practical note given the terrain.
- Take care with the fragile stone walls – the cottage is a protected historic structure, and visitors are asked not to climb on the walls or remove any stones.
- There are no facilities on site (toilets, café, or parking). Parking can be arranged in the nearby village of Newport, where public car parks are available.
- The homestead is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven ground and lack of pathways.
Because there is no official visitor centre, information is best gathered beforehand from local tourism offices in Newport or online resources such as the Grace Kelly Film Festival website. The nearest accommodation options range from budget B&Bs to boutique hotels in Westport, a short 7‑km drive away.
Visiting the Kelly Homestead offers a quiet, contemplative glimpse into the intertwined histories of Irish emigration and Hollywood glamour. Whether you are tracing family roots, admiring the resilience of a rural cottage, or simply seeking a unique slice of Irish heritage, the homestead stands as a modest yet powerful reminder of how global stories often begin in the most unassuming places.