Events

Leonie Cornelius at Huntington Castle and Gardens

Huntington Castle and Gardens Clonegal, Co. Carlow

Have you ever wondered what it takes to Design a Dream Garden? This talk by award winning garden designer and interior architect Leonie Cornelius takes you on a journey from concept to completion and gives a unique insight into the design steps needed to achieve a truly special and personalized space.

$5

Helen Dillon at Rathwood

Rathwood Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Often described as the undisputed queen of Irish gardening, Helen Dillon is a legendary plantswoman, international lecturer, author and creator of the world famous Dillon Garden. Having moved house in 2016 Helen speaks about setting up a new garden at her new home, bringing new challenges and new opportunities. Helen will offer a personal reflection on the pleasing aspects of good garden design and the joys of establishing her new garden.

Free

Helen Dillon at Rathvilly Garden Centre

Rathvilly Garden Centre Baltinglass Road, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow, Ireland

Drawing from the challenges and triumphs she is facing in creating her impressive new garden in Dublin, Dillon offers a personal, intimate, and passionate account of the pleasures of gardening in small and sometimes difficult spaces. One of Ireland's great gardeners and a firm favourite on the Carlow Garden Festival programme, Helen's entertaining and witty style will appeal to both the novice and more experienced gardener. 

Free

Shirley Lanigan at Patthana Gardens, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow

Patthana Gardens Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Join Shirley Lanigan, the noted Irish author as she talks about the changing world of open Irish gardens, with reference to the growth of interest in things organic and responsible and will take parts of the garden as illustration.

$5

John Anderson at Delta Sensory Gardens

Delta Sensory Gardens & Garden Centre Strawhall Estate, Carlow, Co. Carlow

John Anderson, Keeper of the Gardens at Windsor Castle and Savill Gardens promises an interesting and informative talk looking over his career from Mount Usher to Inverewe, Exbury and now the gardens of Windsor Great Park. This talk will highlight what plants and gardens have influenced John’s passion for gardening and look at which of these plants can be found at the beautiful Delta Sensory Gardens.

Free – $7

Fionnuala Fallon at the Meadows

The Meadows Garden No.7 the Meadows, Myshall, Co Carlow

It is fitting that the exceptionally talented Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times gardening correspondent, leads this tour around the garden of the great artist and painter Philippa Bayliss.

$5

Cormac Downey at Altamont Gardens

Altamont Gardens Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow, Ireland

This walking tour of Altamont Gardens is led by Cormac Downey, OPW Tree Officer. This tour promises to be an exciting journey through a historic setting with its fine plant collections, Robinsonian style landscapes, man-made lake and specifically the ancient oak woodland and will take in other magnificent specimens of trees to be found at Altamont Gardens.

Free

Stephen Anderton at Hardymount Gardens

Hardymount Gardens Tullow, Co. Carlow

What makes a great gardener? Stephen Anderton looks at the lives of men and women, past and present, who have made great gardens admired throughout the world. What drives them to work in this deliciously frustrating medium where every element is growing or dying? Which gardeners were not only passionate plant-lovers but also nurserymen, painters, novelists, soldiers, architects, engineers, politicians, philosophers and fashionistas? Which gardeners - rarest or the rare - can design and structure and layout of a garden as well as the detail of the planting? Some of the names you will know, some will be a wonderful surprise. Afterwards take a stroll around the stunning walled garden of Hardymount. A very memorable afternoon is promised!

$10

Charles Dowding at Shankill Castle

Shankill Castle and Gardens Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

Charles’ talk explains the principles of a no dig approach, so that listeners can go home to apply the method, in whatever way suits their site and materials to hand. He shows how to clear weeds by mulching on top, without any soil disturbance and shows different composts and how to make your own. He explains how mulches of organic matter work to feed soil life, so that the billions of organisms can help plant roots find their food, air and moisture. Charles illustrates many different vegetables, show methods of planting and pest protection, and methods of propagation.

Jimi Blake at Burtown House and Gardens

Burtown House and Gardens Burtown House and Gardens, Athy, Co. Kildare

Join Jimi Blake, owner of Hunting Brook Gardens and one of the most acclaimed & accomplished contemporary gardeners of his time as he speaks about his garden through the seasons at Hunting Brook Gardens, Blessington, Co Wicklow, acknowledged as one of Ireland's most dynamic, interesting and innovative gardens. Widely covered in the gardening press the garden has become a mecca for gardeners and hosts visitors from around the world every year.

$8

Seamus O’Brien at Borris House

Borris House Gardens and Woodlands Borris House & Gardens, Borris, Co. Carlow

Borris demesne is a fine example of how a formal Baroque landscape has evolved over centuries into the impressive parkland setting visable today. Seamus O’Brien, manager of National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh in Co. Wicklow, will offer his unique insight into this mature estate with its many specimen trees, original Stew Pond and 18th century Ice House.

$5

Fiann Ó Nualláin at Kilgraney House and Herb Gardens

Kilgraney House and Herb Gardens Kilgraney House and Herb Gardens, Kilgraney, Co. Carlow, Co. Carlow

Fiann Ó Nualláin is a long-time proponent of gardening for health and wellbeing. A horticultural therapist by profession and a community gardening advocate for over two decades.  He is the author of several bestselling gardening and health books. A regular on Tv3’s Ireland AM to chat about foods and herbs for physical wellbeing and illness management.  

$10

Chris Beardshaw and Fergus Garrett at Altamont Plant Sales

Altamont Plant Sales & Walled Garden Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow

A celebrated Designer, Plantsman and Broadcaster Chris Beardshaw has clocked up over 30 years’ experience in the horticultural world. Known for his BBC television and radio work Chris is also a well-loved speaker and lecturer and is the author of 4 books.

$35

Assumpta Broomfield at Burtown House and Gardens

Burtown House and Gardens Burtown House and Gardens, Athy, Co. Kildare

Burtown House is one of two 17th century houses in Kildare to never have been sold, and the only house that you can visit, and have guided tours by family members. It is the only original Quaker house in Ireland that can be visited that is still lived in by the family that built it from this period.

$8

Dermot O’Neill at Huntington Castle

Huntington Castle and Gardens Clonegal, Co. Carlow

Dermot O’ Neill, with us each year by popular demand since the start of the Carlow Garden Festival back in 2002, visits Huntington Castle for a garden tour taking in the many delights of this attraction, from the 17th century parterres to the ancient Yew Walk, the “Wilderness” woodland, the kitchen gardens, the Greenhouse and the recently restored Rose Gardens.

$5

Carol Klein at Duckett’s Grove

Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Kneestown, Co. Carlow

Enjoy a garden party in the beautiful surrounds of Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens. Featuring vintage dress, classical and musical entertainment, traditional activities for the children, picnics on the lawn, a talk with the highly popular and talented UK gardener Carol Klein and the opportunity to view the beautifully restored walled gardens. Carol will talk about her time as a nursery owner and gardener and will discuss her favourite plants and the plants she found difficult to propagate.

$10 – $30

Elma Fenton at Delta Sensory Gardens

Delta Sensory Gardens & Garden Centre Strawhall Estate, Carlow, Co. Carlow

Elma Fenton, renowned Irish and international ecological landscape architect and garden designer promises an interesting and informative tour of the Delta Sensory Gardens. Elma designed the beautiful “Circle of Life” at Delta Sensory Gardens and will impart some of the thoughts behind this. Explore the delights of these beautiful surroundings where Elma shares her passion and knowledge of plants and garden design. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to rest and indulge their senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing and visual delight at this wonderful garden tour.

Free – $7