Join us for the prestigious Carlow Garden Festival, one of Ireland’s premier garden festivals, held annually as part of the Carlow Garden Trail.

Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, our festival opens the gates to some of the most beautiful gardens, garden centres, historic estates, forest parks and community gardens offering a rich blend of horticulture, heritage, and culture. From Saturday July 26th to Sunday August 3rd, experience expert-led workshops, engaging talks, and fabulous garden displays, making this festival a must-visit for every novice and enthusiastic gardener.

The festival is a spectacular celebration of the wonderful gardening attractions on the Carlow Garden Trail and of nature, horticulture, heritage and culture. The festival showcases the rich diversity of gardens and green spaces that define Ireland’s Ancient East, offering a captivating blend of historic estates, contemporary designs, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. From meticulously manicured gardens to untamed wilderness, each venue offers a unique glimpse into the world of horticulture and landscape design, providing inspiration and delight to both novice and enthsiastic gardeners and nature lovers alike.

Read the 2025 press release here

Download the 2025 Festival At A Glance here

Now in its twenty-third year, this nine-day long event sees acclaimed gardeners and garden designers from Ireland and the UK deliver an inviting range of events that includes specialist talks, garden tours and workshops. This year’s event features Adam Frost, Peter O’Mahony, June Blake, Matthew Wilson, Thomas Pakenham, Fionnuala Fallon, Dr John McCullen, Seamus O’Brien, Darragh Stone, Sarah Eberle, Michael Kelly, Tanguy de Toulgoet, Rosy Hardy, Nick Bailey, Mary Keenan, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Rosie Maye, Mary White and Robin Lane Fox.

The festival brings together, in one location, an unrivalled variety of Irish and UK gardening and environmental experts to share knowledge and information about a host of topics from traditional gardening techniques and design to vegetable and herb gardening, year-round garden colour, climate change, biodiversity and foraging. It takes place at one of the loveliest times of the year with the main gardening work in gardeners’ own havens complete.

This year, sustainability takes centre stage, with the introduction of a dedicated shuttle bus service connecting all garden festival venues across the county from five locations in Carlow Town including the Seven Oaks Hotel, Talbot Hotel, Woodford Dolmen Hotel and Carlow bus and train stations. Visitors are encouraged to leave the car behind and enjoy the stunning Carlow countryside in a more environmentally friendly way. The new service supports the festival’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while making it easier for attendees to access multiple events with ease.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own garden, craving a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or simply eager to explore the beauty of Carlow’s gardens we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and delight.

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare to embark on a great gardening escape. We look forward to welcoming you to this cherished annual event! From the amateur to the expert, there is something for everyone.

Photography and filming will take place during the Carlow Garden Festival. Images and footage may be subsequently used by the Carlow Garden Trail Committee, Carlow Tourism and our partners for promotional purposes. If you plan to attend, but do not wish to have your image used, please inform a member of staff on arrival.