Overview
The Kelly Homestead sits quietly in the townland of Drumilra (Irish: Droim Iolra, meaning “Eagle Ridge”), just outside Newport in County Mayo. It is the ruins of a modest three-roomed stone cottage built in the mid-19th century, best known as the birthplace of John Henry Kelly, grandfather of Hollywood legend Grace Kelly. Today, the site exists as a roofless shell surrounded by rural hedgerows, deliberately left unsignposted to preserve its uncommercialised character. For visitors tracing Irish emigration history or following the footsteps of 20th-century cultural icons, it offers a grounded, atmospheric connection to a family that carried Mayo roots across the Atlantic.
A Story of Emigration & Hollywood Roots
The cottage dates to the 1840s or 1850s and overlooks Drumgoney Lough (locally known as the Leg of Mutton Lake). It was here that John Henry Kelly was born before leaving Ireland in 1887, aged 30, following the Great Famine. He settled in Philadelphia, where he established a successful brickwork and construction company. His son, John B. Kelly Sr., later won three Olympic gold medals in sculling and built a prominent family home in Pennsylvania. Their daughter, Grace Patricia Kelly, would go on to become one of cinema’s most celebrated actresses before marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956.
Despite her global fame and royal status, Grace maintained a strong connection to her Irish ancestry. She visited Mayo on three separate occasions, each time drawn back to the quiet fields of Drumilra where her family’s story began.
Grace Kelly’s Visits & The Unfinished Dream
Grace’s most famous visit occurred on 15 June 1961 during a state tour of Ireland. The cottage was then owned by an elderly local woman known as Widow Mulchrone. In preparation for the royal couple’s arrival, the roof was freshly thatched, the hedges trimmed, and the pathway sanded. Mulchrone spent the morning baking griddle cakes and polishing her best china, serving tea in her “good room” while a large black kettle boiled over an open fire. She entertained the visitors with local stories and even recited a specially written poem, later calling it the most important day of her life. Grace sent Mulchrone a Christmas card every year following the visit.
In June 1976, Grace returned and purchased the cottage along with 35 acres of surrounding land for £7,800. She wanted to preserve the original structure exactly as it stood and commissioned architectural plans for a new holiday home nearby. Mayo County Council granted planning permission in 1978, and Grace reviewed the designs during a final visit in 1979. Construction never began. Grace died in a car accident in Monaco in 1982 at the age of 52. In a touching tribute, local residents from Drumilra gathered wildflowers from the fields around the homestead to send to Monaco for her funeral.
The property passed to her three children – Caroline, Albert, and Stéphanie. In 2011, Prince Albert and his wife Charlene visited the site, and in March 2023, a statue of Princess Grace was unveiled in Newport, attended by Prince Albert, formally cementing the town’s pride in its famous descendant.
What to See & Do
- The Stone Shell – Walk around the perimeter of the three-roomed cottage to see the original floor plan, pointed gables, and central chimney stack. The walls remain intact enough to visualise the layout of a typical 19th-century Mayo home.
- Interpretive Markers – A discreet plaque near the site outlines the Kelly family’s history and Grace’s visits. The lack of heavy signage keeps the experience quiet and reflective.
- Surrounding Landscape – The homestead sits on a gentle rise above Drumgoney Lough, with open fields and traditional hedgerows stretching toward Clew Bay. It’s an ideal spot for a short, peaceful walk through west Mayo’s countryside.
- Grace Kelly Statue in Newport – A short drive away, the modern bronze statue of Princess Grace stands as a permanent local tribute. It pairs well with a visit to the homestead for a complete historical loop.
- Annual Film Festival – If your travels align with late September, the Grace Kelly Film Festival takes over Newport with screenings, talks, and local events celebrating her cinematic legacy.
Practical Information
The Kelly Homestead is free to access and open year-round, though it operates without formal hours or staff. Because the site remains on private land and is intentionally unsignposted, keep the following in mind:
- Finding the site – The cottage sits on a minor boreen off the R311 road between Newport and Castlebar. GPS navigation to “Drumilra, Newport” will bring you close; look for the faint footpath leading through the fields.
- Access & terrain – The ground is uneven and grassy. Wear sturdy footwear. There are no paved paths, ramps, or facilities, and the site is not wheelchair accessible.
- Respect the property – This is a private heritage site. Stay on established tracks, do not climb the walls, and avoid removing stones or disturbing the vegetation.
- Facilities – There are no toilets, parking bays, or refreshments on site. Park responsibly in Newport or along the main road, and plan to visit local amenities in Newport or nearby Westport for food and supplies.
- Best time to visit – Early morning or late afternoon offers the softest light for photography and the fewest interruptions. Winter visits provide a stark, atmospheric view of the ruins against the bare landscape.
Combine a stop at the homestead with a walk along the nearby lake or a visit to Newport’s historic Quaker heritage sites to make the most of the area. If you time your trip for the September film festival, you’ll find local guides, historical displays, and a stronger sense of community connection to the Kelly legacy.