Below, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about the festival, aiming to provide you with quick, helpful answers to common queries.
However, we understand that you might have specific questions or need further clarification. If that’s the case, please don’t hesitate to contact the staff of Carlow Tourist Office directly at +353 (0)59 9130411 or via e-mail on info@carlowgardentrail.com. Our friendly staff are more than happy to assist you with any additional information or guidance you may need to ensure your festival experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Yes, all events must be booked on-line in advance even if free of charge. Pre-registration enables the Carlow Garden Trail Committee to plan appropriately in terms of the facilities and services required to cater for visitors to the venues and locations along the Carlow Garden Festival.
This is not a problem – please contact the staff of Carlow Tourist Office on T: +353(0) 59 9130411 who will be happy to assist you further. We understand that on-line booking can present difficulties for some so our goal is to make the ticket booking process as seamless and trouble free as possible. Carlow Tourist Office is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, from 10 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. on Saturday (with the exception of the months of December and January) and from 2 – 4 p.m. each Sunday during the months of June, July and August.
Admission is normally open 45 minutes beforehand. However, some events open one hour beforehand. Visitors should follow the instructions on each ticket regarding admission times.
You need to bring either your booking reference number, a physical print out of your ticket or have access to your booking on your mobile phone, which will be scanned in order for you to access the venue.
As most of the events are in different venues/gardens, you will need to check in separately for each one.
You will receive your ticket through email, this will include a unique ticket order number and QR code, which can be printed or shown on a mobile device. Should you require any help or assistance with your order please email info@carlowgardentrail.com.
Only registered assistance dogs are allowed.
Most talks conclude with a brief Q&A session where attendees have an opportunity to pose questions to the speaker. Several speakers are also very willing to sign copies of their books on the day which attendees are welcome to bring along. However, this is arrangement is at the discretion of the speaker and their decision must be respected by all attendees. Where copies of a speaker’s book are available for sale on the day this will be highlighted in the event description.
While many of the venues at the Carlow Garden Festival are wheelchair accessible, it is advisable to check in advance as not all venues are suitable for wheelchair users. www.carlowgardentrail.com
Children aged eight years upwards will be only permitted to attend when accompanied by an adult. In the interest of the child’s own enjoyment it is advisable that they only attend if they have a keen interest in gardening. It is noted that the events of the Carlow Garden Festival are not suited to children under eight years, unless expressly indicated within the event description.
Refunds are only considered if the event is cancelled in full and not rescheduled. No individual or organisation will receive any compensation or damage other than a refund of the face value of the ticket held by the individual or organisation for any cancelled event. Outside these circumstances no refunds are facilitated.
In the case that the event is cancelled in full refunds must be requested from the point of purchase not later than a week after the event should have taken place. No refunds on booking fees will be processed should the event be cancelled.
Please see our Health and Safety Statement for more guidelines in www.carlowgardentrail.com
Yes groups of 10+ receive a 10% discount off the festival ticket price.
Free parking is provided in each location with the exception of Altamont Gardens where a small fee of €2 applies to car park facilities (irrespective of length of stay).
Yes, toilets are located in each location, either on the premises or in the owner’s own home, in the case of private gardens. Not all facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Yes tickets are transferrable.
The Carlow Garden Festival will always endeavour to assist those with mobility issues. It is best to ring Carlow Tourist Office in advance to advise of the mobility issue so that any possible arrangements can be made with advance notice.
Most of the venues at the Carlow Garden Festival offer catering facilities which include options for light snacks, tea/coffee and cakes, and then full lunches. It is best to consult the Carlow Garden Trail website which provides details of each member and the dining options on offer. www.carlowgardentrail.com If you require information on further restaurants and cafés throughout County Carlow please visit www.carlowtourism.com
BUS
Bus Éireann Expressway operates Route 4 from Dublin City/Dublin Airport to Waterford serving Carlow Town, Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Royal Oak several times per day. www.expressway.ie
JJ Kavanagh’s (Rapid Express Travel) provides regular services daily to/from Carlow Town and Dublin City/Dublin Airport. Inter-county services (Mon-Fri) between Carlow, Tullow, Rathvilly, Baltinglass and Hacketstown as well as a Carlow – Portlaoise service via Athy, and Carlow – Kilkenny twice daily. All coaches offer FREE Wi-Fi, extra comfort seats, free charging points and even better value when booking your ticket online by availing of 10% off. www.jjkavanagh.ie
Wexford Bus provides regular scheduled bus services that connect Carlow to Ballon, Bunclody, Enniscorthy and Wexford on route 387. www.wexfordbus.com
Local Link provides regular services around the towns and villages of Carlow. https://locallinkckw.ie/bus-services/carlow/
RAIL
From Dublin Heuston there are eight services in operation to Carlow Town and Bagenalstown (and nine return) each weekday. There are eight services on Saturday and four services on Sunday. Further information available from www.irishrail.ie
Please do contact Carlow Tourist Office where staff will be able to assist you further if required T: 059-9130411 or via e-mail info@carlowtourism.com
Please refer to the accommodation section of this website where details of all accommodation members are provided. All premises are approved to Fáilte Ireland standards.
For a full list of all attractions and activities in County Carlow please visit www.carlowtourism.com The staff of Carlow Tourist Office T: 059-9130411 or via e-mail info@carlowtourism.com are always available to assist with relevant information and helpful guidance.
