The 2019 Galway Garden Festival will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of July, at Claregalway Castle. This will be the 10th year of this multi-faceted jewel in the Irish Gardening calendar. It will not only showcase the very best of rare and special plant traders from all over Ireland but also includes a wonderful programme of expert talks, the usual superb artisan Food and Craft arena and a host of musical entertainment and open-air performance.
The Botanical Art Exhibition is a well-established attraction at the festival featuring the work of Irelands best Botanic Artists; many of the paintings on exhibition are for sale, along with limited edition prints, and cards.
Food and Craft of the highest quality are, as usual, a major part of this eclectic Festival. A range of freshly cooked foods will available from Handsome Burger, Green Saffron, the Castle Kitchen and many more. Handmade crafts and assorted wares and Artisan foods are available and include many of the best of the best of Galway County Councils ‘Made in Galway’ group in addition to other speciality producers and craftspeople from around Ireland.
The Speakers programme (free entry )on Saturday 6th includes ‘The Irish Monastic Garden’ by historian, author and member of Glenstal community, Dr Colman O’Clabaigh; ‘A Life Just Vegetating’ with renowned author, journalist and horticulturalists, Joy Larkcom, and ‘The Flower Arrangers Garden’ with Irish Times journalist and author Fionnuala Fallon.
On Sunday 7th, the Poet Mary O’Malley will present ‘Earthly Delights; the Botanist and Ecologist Dr Cillian Roden will revisit the wildflowers of Galway, Director, Dr Matthew Jebb` brings “A view from the Palmhouse: the cultural landscape of the National Botanic Gardens” and Michelin star restauranteur Enda McEvoy with friend Seamus of Sheridan Cheesemongers will combine forces to discuss Flowers and Food.
There will be a feast of free Street entertainment for all ages. Nemo the magician is back in town. ‘Yer Mans Puppets’ brings a delightful new show. From France the hilarious Le Cirque Chemique– a captivating act with Marco the Alchemist navigating between magic, circus acts and street theatre. Knights in full medieval armour will clash swords as part of a mini-tournament.
The free Music programme includes a special surprise guest appearance on Saturday. Coole Minstrels will also perform on Saturday around lunchtime. On Sunday afternoon Galway’s very own Kings of swing- the Black Magic Big Band – will get everyone off their feet. On both days the much loved St Patricks Brass Band will perform a summer concert, as will the Silvermoon Jazz quintet, the vibrant and exciting Barceló Brothers and more.
Free yourself up for this unique and stylish weekend. Free entry for all children. Free car parking in Abbey field. Free Bus to and from Ceannt Station (thank you Bus Eireann ). Free gardening wisdom from a host of acknowledged experts. Free Music and Street theatre. You would be mad to go anywhere else!.
The 10th Galway Garden Festival takes place between 11am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, 6th & 7th of July at Claregalway Castle. Entry is €10 and children go free, with all gate profits going to support Christian Blind Mission CBMIreland.
For all information, including further programme announcements, see www.galwaygardenfestival.com or visit our facebook page.
