Garden festival gets royal seal of approval
At the launch of Carlow Garden Festival were Ruben Cope (Shankill Castle), Thomas Murphy (Altamont Gardens), Justina McKeever (Hardymount Gardens), Robert Miller (Altamont Plants), Rachel Doyle (Arboretum), Mary Meaney (Leighlinbridge), Justine Carey (Irelands Ancient East), Bryan Leech (Kilgraney House), Eileen ORourke (Carlow Tourism), Trevor Gillespie (Delta Sensory Gardens), David McEvoy (BEAM) and Linda Culleton (Carlow County Council) Photos: Michael ORourke Photography
GARDENER to King Charles III, John Anderson, and BBC presenter Arit Anderson are among the big names heading to Co Carlow this week as the Carlow Garden Festival unveiled a star-studded programme at its recent launch at the Arboretum Home and Garden Centre in Leighlinbridge.
Running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 2 August, the nine-day festival, which is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading gardening events, will bring some of the most respected names in gardening from Ireland and the UK to the county’s most beautiful gardens, garden centres and historic estates for talks, tours, workshops and unique garden experiences.
The festival opens at the Arboretum with , featuring popular UK gardening personalities Joe Swift and James Alexander-Sinclair. Highlights include Chris Beardshaw presenting at Duckett’s Grove (26 July), Gravetye Manor head gardener Tom Coward at Huntington Castle (27 July), John Anderson’s at Altamont Gardens (28 July) and Arit Anderson on designing with plants at Borris House (29 July).
Ireland’s leading gardening talent will also feature, including Jimi Blake, Oliver Schurmann, Colm O’Driscoll, Helen Begadon, Fiann O’Nualláin and Mary Keenan.
New for 2026 is an evening visit to Sandbrook House, where plantsman Arthur Shackleton will discuss the restoration of its gardens over the last ten years, and a biodiversity walk in Ballon village with Éanna Ní Lamhna.
Robert Miller, chairperson of the Carlow Garden Trail, said the festival “continues to grow in reputation”, adding: “Whether you are an experienced gardener or just beginning your gardening journey, there is something for everyone.”
Michael Walsh, chairperson of Carlow Tourism, said the festival “provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a summer break in Co Carlow”.
The full programme and ticket information are available at www.carlowgardentrail.com.
