Record attendance for this year’s Carlow Garden Festival

THE Carlow Garden Festival has been hailed as one of the most successful in its 23-year history, attracting over 3,000 visitors – almost double last year’s attendance levels.

Running from 26 July to 3 August, the nine-day celebration brought together almost 20 gardening experts from Ireland and the UK in a packed programme of talks, workshops, foraging walks and garden tours. Many events sold out in advance, highlighting the exceptional demand and reputation the festival now enjoys.

One of the stand-out moments was the much-anticipated opening event and conversation between Irish rugby star Peter O’Mahony and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost at the Arboretum in Leighlinbridge, which drew a capacity crowd of almost 700 people and widespread media attention.

Other festival highlights included Sarah Eberle at Borris House, Rosy Hardy and Nick Bailey at Altamont Plant Sales, Thomas Pakenham and Robin Lane Fox at Huntington Castle and Darragh Stone, Adam Clayton’s head gardener at his property Danesmoate Gardens in Dublin.

Robert Miller, chairperson of the Carlow Garden Trail, said: “This year’s festival was a resounding success – from the incredible visitor numbers to the energy and enthusiasm at every venue. The demand for tickets, with many events booked out well in advance, speaks volumes about the quality of Carlow’s gardens and the calibre of speakers we welcome each year. It has been a privilege to showcase our county to such a wide audience.” 

Michael Walsh, chairperson of Carlow Tourism, added: “The Carlow Garden Festival is a shining example of how our county can combine horticultural excellence, heritage and sustainable tourism. The national coverage this year has placed Carlow firmly in the spotlight and created a real sense of pride for all involved.”

For more information on the Carlow Garden Trail, visit www.carlowgardentrail.com.