An eclectic mix of specialist botany talks, plant stalls and whacky entertainment will return for the sixth annual Galway Garden Festival at the stunning Claregalway Castle.
Climate change, food safety, sustainable gardening and sustainable living, as well as creating beautiful gardens, are the themes of this year’s event, taking place this weekend.
As usual this festival is designed to entertain young and old and ignite interest in the keenest gardeners as well as those without the slightest green thumb.
The castle’s owner, Eamonn O’Donoghue, looks after the entertainment aspect of the Festival while his Cork-based sister Pádraigín is responsible for the things botanical. Last year an estimated 3,500 people attended on each day.
A definite highlight of the two days will be a reading by the poet, essayist and memoirist John Montague on Saturday evening, July 4, preceded by a reception and performance by the RTÉ ConTempo String Quartet.
Author and gardener Alice Taylor will kick off Saturday’s events with her talk called The Gift of a Garden. Physician and herbalist Dr Dilis Clare will then teach people how to grow their own drugs.
Kitty Scully, environmentalist and head kitchen gardener at Dublin’s Airfield Estate will discuss both pretty and productive gardening, while plant collector and garden designer Carl Wright of the Burren’s Caher Bridge Garden will give his 12 best plants for the year.
On Sunday, Botanic artist and author Jane Stark will speak on art inspired by the garden, while climatologist and deputy head of forecasting at Met Éireann Evelyn Cusack will explain the wonders of meteorology.
Head gardener at Kylemore Abbey Enya Gohlke will discuss the resurrection of the main garden at Kylemore and give insights for gardeners living on the western seaboard.
Talks will conclude with a panel discussion chaired by garden designer, organic expert and author Klaus Laitenberger to mark 2015 as International year of Soils.
Free musical events at this year’s festival include a concert from St Patrick’s Brass Band from 2-3.30pm on Saturday. There will also be performances by the University Hospital Choir and Silvermoon Jazz ensemble. Tickets for the 5pm concert by the RTÉ ConTempo String Quartet cost €15.
On Sunday, July 5, Sonic Strings from Gort will perform at 1pm followed by a concert by The Army Band of 2nd Command from 2-3.30pm. Other bands include the Baytones, ‘Stride’ O’Brien, Silvermoon Jazz ensemble and the unique Troubadour Mules.
Kids will love the Tommy Bakers Puppets as well as The Gombeens, who make a welcome return with their brand of mayhem and anarchy. The fabulous Fanzini Brothers and friends will do a world preview of their new show, Circus Jukebox, on both days.
Local craft workers and food makers will have their work showcased in the Made in Galway tent while nurseries and garden suppliers from across Ireland will offer a range of plants, trees, seeds, garden furniture, and equipment.
The Claregalway Botanical Art Expo will feature Ireland’s foremost botanical artists. Birdwatch Ireland and the Green Sod Land Trust will be manning stalls.
A free return courtesy bus will run from Ceannt Railway Station to Claregalway Castle daily, starting at 10.30am and running hourly from then on. Free parking facilities are also available.
All gate profits go to Christian Blind Mission, The Galway Simon Community and the Claregalway Day Care Centre. Entry is €8 and children go free. Further information at www.galwaygardenfestival.com
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