Events
Calendar of Events
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Tuesday |
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Sunday |
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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... |
- 25 Jul 2026
Fiann Ó Nualláin – Plants, Place and Wellbeing along the River Barrow
2:00 pm
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.
- 25 Jul 2026
Keeping It Country – The James and Joe Garden Show at Arboretum
7:30 pm
– 9:30 pm
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.
- 26 Jul 2026
Lessons from Nature with Colm O’Driscoll
11:00 am
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…
- 26 Jul 2026
Painting with Plants by Chris Beardshaw
3:00 pm
– 5:00 pm
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.
- 27 Jul 2026
Gravetye Manor: Bringing William Robinson’s Wild Garden into the Modern Age
11:00 am
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.
- 27 Jul 2026
Creative Plant Combinations Through the Seasons in Hunting Brook Gardens
3:00 pm
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.
- 28 Jul 2026
Gardens Along The Gulf Stream by John Anderson
11:00 am
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.
- 28 Jul 2026
It’s Never Too Late with Oliver Schurmann
3:00 pm
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.
- 29 Jul 2026
Plants: Why They Should Always Be the Star of the Garden
11:00 am
An exploration of case studies of the restorative and healing nature of gardens.
- 29 Jul 2026
Nature’s Pharmacy, Healing Herbs with Helen Begadon
3:00 pm
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. Two session are available on the day to book – at 3pm and 5.30pm.
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
