Events
Calendar of Events
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4 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.  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. |
5 events, As part of this year’s Carlow Garden Festival, Rathwood is offering a fantastic programme of family-friendly activities, making it the perfect destination for visitors of all ages. Throughout the day, children can enjoy a range of engaging outdoor experiences that combine adventure, creativity and fun in the beautiful woodland setting of Rathwood.  Join renowned horticulturist Mary Keenan for a special Walk and Talk through the award-winning Barrow Experience Gardens at BEAM Services, Bagenalstown. This relaxed guided walk offers a unique opportunity to... |
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2 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. |
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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. |
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2 events, Enjoy an evening exploring bats in the beautiful setting of Altamont Gardens. Check the Altamont Gardens facebook page a little closer to the date for a full list of activities. |
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2 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. |
2 events, Audio Garden is returning in 2026 for another weekend of top-quality underground and electronic music. Can you hear the Garden calling? |
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 Internationally renowned cultural thinkers and artists gather at Huntington Castle for a landmark new event on August 22nd 2026. | |
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2 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. |
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2 events,Enjoy a free tour of fabulous tree collection in Altamont Gardens accompanied by one of their knowledgeable local guides. |
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Perfect for both new and experienced gardeners, this is your chance to enjoy a weekend of inspiration.
Great Opening Weekend Talk Pass – Save €10
Make the most of the opening weekend of the Carlow Garden Festival with the great-value pass, giving you access to four inspiring talks for just €70 (usually €80).
Enjoy a rich mix of ideas, creativity and expert insight with:
- Fiann Ó Nualláin in Leighlinbridge – The Garden Village
- Keeping It Country – The James & Joe Garden Show at Arboretum
- Lessons from Nature with Colm O’Driscoll
- Painting with Plants by Chris Beardshaw
Great Closing Weekend Talk Pass – Save €31
Make the most of the closing weekend of the Carlow Garden Festival with the great-value pass, giving you access to six inspiring talks/workshops for just €70 (usually €101).
Enjoy a rich mix of ideas, creativity and expert insight with:
- West Dean Gardens: A Virtual Tour of Managing a Large Garden with Tom Brown
- The Vanishing Garden – A Plantsman’s Pick of Good Garden Plants with Jack Aldridge
- Biodiversity Walk and Talk with Éanna Ní Lamnha
- Plantaholic’s Paradise by Helen Picton
- Designing with Plants by Bunny Guinness
- Mary Keenan at Barrow Experience Gardens
