Mary Keenan at Barrow Experience Gardens

Join renowned horticulturist Mary Keenan for an inspiring workshop focused on the art of creating fragrant gardens that awaken the senses and elevate the experience of outdoor spaces. With over 40 years of hands-on gardening experience and a lifelong passion for plants, Mary will share her expert knowledge on how to select and combine beautifully scented plants for maximum seasonal impact.

Drawing on her experience as co-owner of the acclaimed Gash Gardens in County Laois, as well as her roles in public park design, Mary brings a wealth of practical advice and planting inspiration. Whether your garden is large or small, sun-drenched or shaded, this session will help you discover the right choices to fill your space with scent throughout the year – from old-fashioned roses and sweet peas to herbs, bulbs and aromatic shrubs.

As editor of The Irish Garden magazine and a respected voice in Irish horticulture, Mary’s engaging and down-to-earth approach makes this a must-attend event for gardening enthusiasts of all levels. The talk will take place indoors and will be followed by a guided visit to Delta Sensory Gardens, where participants can experience the beauty and impact of a fragrant garden in full bloom.

  • About Mary Keenan


    Mary Keenan, with her husband Ross Doyle, is joint owner of well-known Gash Gardens and Nursery in County Laois.  She has been gardening and growing plants for over 35 years.  After studying horticulture at University College Dublin, she worked as a college lecturer at the National Botanic Gardens for several years before taking on a role as Senior Executive Parks Superintendent in the Parks Department of a Dublin local authority.  She is a Past President and former Executive Director of the Tree Council of Ireland.  As a regular columnist with the Irish Garden Magazine and a passionate plantsperson, she takes a very practical and down to earth approach to gardening.  www.gashgardens.ie

  • Explore Barrow Experience Gardens


    Designed for therapy and beauty, these gardens celebrate the history and folklore of the River Barrow.  The Barrow Experience is a wonderful and unique series of ten interconnecting gardens which bring to life the history, folklore and heritage of the beautiful Barrow Valley.

    The garden is situated on the grounds of BEAM Services CLG, a training centre for people who require additional support needs, based at Regent Street, Bagenalstown Co. Carlow, on a picturesque and peaceful site that bounds the canal off the River Barrow.

    Designed by John Murphy, the Barrow Experience was progressed to provide a healthy and therapeutic environment for people attending the services of BEAM and to develop a beautiful water-fronted site into a major tourism driven initiative for Bagenalstown.

    To find out more about what you can do at BEAM visit BEAM Services – The Barrow Experience

Date: 02 August 2026

Start Date: 02 August 2026

Start Time: 11:00 am

End Date: 02 August 2026

End Time: 11:00 am

Time: 11:00 am

Admission: €10

Directions: R21 AH73. The Quay, Bagenalstown, County Carlow

Type of event: This event will take place outdoors with an opportunity to view the Barrow Experience Gardens