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 25th to Sunday August 2nd, 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.
The Carlow Garden Festival is supported by Carlow County Council and Fáilte Ireland under the Festival and Event Scheme and by Bord Bia.
Read the 2026 press release here
Download the 2026 Festival At A Glance here
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
Calendar of Events
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2 events, Come and enjoy the most recent range of figurative sculptures by one of the owners of Kilgraney House, Martin Marley. |
3 events, Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. | |||||
3 events, A week of guided tours and talks commemorating Corona North, the passionate plants person and visionary founder of Altamont Gardens. |
4 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. | |||||
2 events, Altamont’s successful Traditional Sessions are back in the walled garden on two dates this summer, Wednesday 15th July & Wednesday 12th August. |
2 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. |
1 event, | ||||
1 event, |
1 event, |
1 event, |
2 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. |
1 event, |
5 events, The Carlow Garden Festival showcases Carlow’s outstanding collection of gardens, from historic estates to modern landscaped marvels, garden centres and forest parks all brimming with seasonal beauty. With workshops, guided tours and demonstrations, the festival offers practical tips and inspiration for gardeners of all levels.  Join us for a delightful walk and talk along the picturesque Barrow Way in Leighlinbridge as part of the Carlow Garden Festival. Led by Fiann Ó Nualláin, this leisurely stroll encourages take a close up look to explore the wealth of herbs, plants and natural ingredients along the serene banks of the River Barrow.  Join two of the most engaging voices in UK horticulture, Joe Swift and James Alexander-Sinclair, for a lively and insightful conversation on garden design and creativity. |
5 events, Set within the naturally rich and sustainably managed space of An Gairdín Beo in the centre of Carlow Town, this talk by Colm O’Driscoll invites gardeners to rethink how they...
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 In this inspiring and richly illustrated talk, award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw explores the evolution of the English garden style, with a particular focus on the iconic herbaceous border. Tracing its development from early formal planting schemes to the more naturalistic and expressive designs of today, Chris highlights the influential figures who shaped this essentially British approach to gardening. He reveals the principles behind plant selection, colour harmony, structure and seasonal interest, offering practical insights into how great borders are composed. |
4 events, Head Gardener Tom Coward gives us an insight into the running of Gravetye Manor, renowned as one of Britain’s most iconic garden properties. Gravetye Manor was the home place of internationally renowned gardener William Robinson who was the inspiration behind many of Ireland’s best known gardens including those at Altamont.  Throughout the talk, Jimi draws on his extensive experience to highlight ideas that can be adapted to gardens of all sizes — from selecting plants that perform well together to creating seasonal impact and maintaining a sense of balance within a border. His relaxed and engaging style, combined with his deep knowledge of plants, makes this an enjoyable and accessible session for anyone looking to enhance their own garden. |
4 events, John will take audiences on a journey through the extraordinary gardens he has managed, from the intimate charm of Mount Usher in County Wicklow to the dramatic, sub-tropical oasis of Inverewe in northwest Scotland. He will also delve into the woodland splendour of Exbury, home to the Rothschild rhododendron collection, and share experiences from the renowned Savill and Valley Gardens in Berkshire.  Set in the charming surrounds of Hardymount Gardens, It’s Never Too Late by Oliver Schurmann is a thoughtful and inspiring talk that reflects on change, renewal and the evolving journey of a life in plants. |
5 events, An exploration of case studies of the restorative and healing nature of gardens.  Helen Begadon is one of Ireland's most respected herbal medicine educators and practitioners, with more than four decades of experience in the field of natural health and plant-based medicine. She is the founder of The Irish School of Herbal Medicine and serves as Director of Core College, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, where she has helped train generations of herbal practitioners. Helen Begadon is one of Ireland's most respected herbal medicine educators and practitioners, with more than four decades of experience in the field of natural health and plant-based medicine. She is the founder of The Irish School of Herbal Medicine and serves as Director of Core College, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, where she has helped train generations of herbal practitioners. |
7 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides.  Exploring Plants Through Print, Pigment and Light. A Creative Exploration of the Plants, Herbs and Flowers of Kilgraney House & Herb Gardens. All materials provided. No previous experience necessary.  Rediscover the beauty of slowing down in the garden with Daphne Shackleton’s inspiring talk, Reinventing the Shrubbery – Some Thoughts. Once a traditional feature of every Irish garden, shrubberies often became forgotten corners dominated by dense evergreen planting. Daphne explores how these spaces can now be reimagined as vibrant havens filled with colour, texture and scent. |
5 events, In this engaging talk, Tom will guide audiences through the many distinct areas of the gardens, sharing the history, design principles and horticultural practices that make West Dean such a unique and thriving location. From managing extensive herbaceous borders and formal gardens to maintaining glasshouses, orchards and woodland areas, Tom offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of caring for a public garden throughout the seasons.  In this engaging and thought-provoking talk, renowned plantsman Jack Aldridge shines a spotlight on some overlooked garden treasures and explains why they deserve a place in today's gardens. Drawing on his horticultural experience, including his work at the world-famous RHS Garden Wisley, Jack will share his personal selection of reliable, beautiful and hard-working plants that have stood the test of time. From long-forgotten perennials and underappreciated shrubs to outstanding plants that offer exceptional colour, structure and seasonal interest, this is a celebration of the plants that gardeners should not allow to vanish.
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 More than just a walk, this event is an invitation to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation of ancient Irish trees. |
6 events,Exploring Plants Through Print, Pigment and Light. A Creative Exploration of the Plants, Herbs and Flowers of Kilgraney House & Herb Gardens. All materials provided. No previous experience necessary. What happens when a lifelong passion for plants becomes an obsession? In this entertaining and inspiring talk, renowned plantswoman Helen Picton invites fellow garden enthusiasts into a world where one plant is never enough! and every new discovery simply creates room for another. A self-confessed plantaholic, Helen will share her personal journey through a lifetime of collecting, growing and celebrating plants. Drawing on her experience at the acclaimed Old Court Nurseries and Picton Garden in Worcestershire, she will reveal some of the plants that have captured her imagination over the years, from reliable garden performers to rare treasures and irresistible new introductions. |
4 events, 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... |
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