Great lineout for Carlow garden festival
Irish rugby international Peter O’Mahony with images (inset) of his gardening efforts. Main image credit: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan. Images of plants from O'Mahony's Instagram account
THE upcoming Carlow garden festival will showcase 19 gardening experts from Ireland and the UK during a nine-day celebration, running from Saturday 26 July to Sunday 3 August.
The festival brings together an eclectic mix of speakers, from BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost to Irish rugby international Peter O’Mahony, highlighting the broad appeal of gardening across different walks of life.
The opening day features the unusual pairing of O’Mahony and Frost in conversation about their shared passion for gardening at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven on Saturday 26 July.
RHS Chelsea gold medallist Sarah Eberle, who has claimed 19 gold medals at the prestigious flower show, will be present at Borris House on Thursday, 31 July.
Garden designer and broadcaster Matthew Wilson will explore A Tale of Two Gardens at Duckett’s Grove historic house and walled gardens on Sunday 27 July, examining the designs and planting schemes of RHS-owned Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in Harrogate.
Author Thomas Pakenham will discuss The Tree Hunters at Huntington Castle on Monday 28 July, combining gardening insights with historical perspectives and guided house tours.
The festival line-up also includes Nick Bailey, Rosy Hardy, Seamus O’Brien, Fionnuala Fallon and Éanna Ní Lamhna throughout the week.
Events span expert talks, foraging walks, kitchen garden workshops and afternoon tea with a Ballymaloe-trained cook, hosted across Carlow’s gardens and historic houses.
A new festival bus service will provide daily shuttles linking major gardening venues with Carlow town, making it easier for visitors to explore the county’s gardens.
“The 2025 festival invites visitors of all levels – from budding gardeners to seasoned professionals – to explore the Carlow garden trail,” said Robert Miller, chairperson of Carlow garden trail.
This year’s programme emphasises biodiversity, accessibility and inclusion, with events scheduled at BEAM Services, An Gairdín Beo and Delta sensory gardens.
Festival tickets and the complete schedule are available at www.carlowgardentrail.com, along with information on accommodation packages and local attractions. Enquiries can be made by calling 059 9130411.
