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
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.
Robert Miller
Chairperson
Carlow Garden Trail
Events
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 The annual Snowdrop Gala – Celebrating Snowdrops and Other Spring Treasures - at Ballykealey House, Ballon on Saturday January 24th 2025 celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and has become a firm favourite with lovers and enthusiasts of this special flower. | |
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 Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens serve as a stunning backdrop for the early bloomers that signal the start of the gardening year. The collection at Arboretum features a few thousand snowdrop bulbs, including the fragrant Galanthus ‘Flore Pleno’, known for its dainty, double-white flowers, and the pure white Galanthus ‘Mount Everest’, a robust variety perfect for naturalising in gardens. Visitors can enjoy the snowdrops in their peaceful, inspirational setting, and for those looking to bring a piece of this beauty home, the Arboretum shop offers a variety of potted snowdrops, including ‘Mount Everest’ and the classic ‘Galanthus Nivalis’.  26Carlow’s award-winning Delta Sensory Gardens is proud to unveil its Sensory Snowdrop Experience. Inviting guests to explore rare and beautiful varieties in a setting designed to engage all five senses. The...  Experience the delightful gardens at Burtown House this February, open every Wednesday to Sunday, where you’ll find a wealth of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and other early spring bulbs. The gardens are a beautiful way to witness nature’s first blooms in their full glory.  Huntington Castle's historic 17th century grounds feature a large collection of snowdrops and early spring bulbs to be enjoyed, along with the French limes on the avenue, the lawns to the side of the house, the walk through the wilderness and the Yew Tree area. |
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 This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Altamont Garden’s unique snowdrop collection, which was first started by the late Corona North, the former owner of the gardens. Over the past twenty years, the collection has been expanded and nurtured by the OPW (Office of Public Works), and now features almost 150 named varieties. Now in its 25th year, Snowdrop Month at Altamont is an event that no gardening enthusiast should miss. |
