Delightful pastoral landscape

Mount St. Anne’s is set in delightful pastoral landscape, four miles from Monasterevin and ten miles from Portlaoise. Distant views of the Wicklow mountains to the east and the gentle slope of the Slieve Blooms to the south combine with rolling parkland and stately trees to create an atmosphere of serenity in which the spirit is revitalised and energies are restored.

This beautiful building was originally the home of the Landlord for the surrounding area, Edward Randal Skeffington-Smyth. The construction of this Georgian Mansion was completed in 1820.

The design for the house was elaborate. It is fronted with dressed granite, the entrance consisting of a raised platform of Portland flags, reached by three steps, surrounded by a portico which is supported by pillars crowned by a graceful pediment and flanked by large bay windows on either side. The front hall is imposing with flooring of Portland flags and beautiful moulded ceilings supported with columns of imitation marble. This work was carried out by Italian artisans and by the renowned firm of “Morrisons of London”.

In 1823, the Skeffington-Smyth family took up residence in the house and lived here until 1922. The last owner of “Mount Henry”, as it was originally known, was Major Randal Charles Skeffington-Smyth, born in 1864, son of Colonel Edward Skeffington-Smyth who died in 1897. His mother, Letitia, was a daughter of the first Lord Castletown. Major Skeffington-Smyth left for London at the outbreak of the First World  War and the house was left in the charge of a caretaker. Around 1919/1920 the famous Dublin physician, Dr Oliver St. John Gogarty, rented the house for one year.

In 1922 the house was sold to a Mr Burke for the sum of £1,500. In the late twenties he sold it to the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. It became the residence of the Bishop of this diocese, Dr Cullen, who, in turn, sold it to the Presentation Sisters in 1933.

The house was then renamed “Mount St. Anne’s” and the Presentation Sisters took up residence on July 26th, Feast of St. Anne, 1933. On January 2nd, 1935 the first novices and postulants arrived and on January 6th Dr Cullen solemnly opened the noviciate and imparted the Papal Blessing to the Community.

Work began on the building of a new chapel in 1963 and this was blessed and opened by Bishop Keogh on October 7th, 1964. The house ceased to be a noviciate in 1973 with the establishment of a central noviciate in Co. Limerick.

In 1974 Mount St. Anne’s became a “Liturgy Centre” and here many people completed studies of the Theology of Liturgy, The Prayer of the Church, The Eucharist and Sacraments and many other related subjects. In 1978 the Liturgy Centre moved to St. Patrick’s College, Carlow.

Mount St. Anne’s then became a Retreat Centre where retreats for students, adults and groups take place. Within the house there are facilities for conferences, workshops, and meetings.

The Presentation Sisters welcome individuals and groups, who wish to grow in faith, renew themselves in prayer and search for God’s plan in their lives.

A time of retreat is…

• a graced moment in time
• an opportunity for healing
• a time to slow down
• a time to renew strength and hope
• an invitation to say thanks for life
• a time to be aware of God’s love for you and others

“Do not be afraid … I have called you by name … and I love you”  (Is. 42)

At Mount Saint Anne’s you will find peaceful, tranquil surroundings conducive to prayer and reflection.
You can choose from a range of conference, prayer and meditation rooms to meet your requirements. You can also avail of our library facilities.
For the overnight guest we have 36 tastefully presented ensuite bedrooms spanning two floors accessed by a lift, including 3 self-contained apartments where one can cater for oneself with the option to join the main house for meals.

On the ground floor we have a coffee room where refreshments are available at all times and dining facilities for up to 150 people where you can enjoy a wide range of foods produced by our chefs.

You can spend some time in our gardens and walk through our woodlands or simply sit and relax on the patio areas.
Our Chapel, with its inspiring stained glass windows can accommodate up to 60 people.

“Your Faith has made you well; go in peace”. Luke 8:48

“Lord to whom shall we go, you have the message of eternal life”. John 6:68

“Let not your hearts be troubled”. John 14:1

“Yesterday is history;
The future is mystery,
But today is Gift,
That is why we call it
THE PRESENT”.

The ideal venue for your business event

At Mount Saint Anne’s Retreat and Conference Centre you will find the perfect venue for your business event.

Our Team has extensive experience in managing a wide range of events from the small informal meeting or interview to the larger conference, promotion or training session.

Mount Saint Anne’s is renowned for it’s warmth and friendliness and creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity for its guests. Our dining hall offers excellent cuisine and personal service.

Broadband and a full compliment of equipment is available.

Conference Rooms

We have 4 main Conference Rooms, namely the Oak Room, the Evergreen Room, the Nano Nagle Room and the Teresa Mulally Room.  These can be set out Boardroom Style or Theatre Style to suit the individual needs of our customers.   The Nano Nagle Room can also be divided into 3 break-out rooms to accommodate smaller groups or can be set out as one large room accommodating up to 150 people.

We have two Reading Rooms, one on each floor which can be used for one-on-one meetings or informal chats.