Claregalway Castle welcomes everyone to the annual Galway Garden Festival on Saturday and Sunday July 6 and 7 from 11am to 6pm. This charming event has something for all, including a wonderful gathering of Ireland's best rare and special plant traders, expert speakers, artisan food and craft producers, as well as a host of musical entertainment and open-air performance.
This year the festival will welcome many new contributors. The Galway Garden and Flower Club joins the festival with its summer show, and the club will run a series of floral, horticultural and photographic competitions (open to all entrants, contact via [email protected] ). The Corrib Lacemakers (Lásadóirí na Coiribe ) will have a spectacular exhibition in the Long Hall along with demonstrations of traditional techniques. Each handmade piece draws its inspiration from the culture, heritage, landscape, flora and fauna of Galway. The Irish Botanic Artists Association will also exhibit, featuring many new and established artists.
Entertainment includes a delightful new show by Yer Man's Puppets twice each day. You can also enjoy the zany performances of Gusto from Fanzini's Circus. Nemo the Magician will be up to his usual tricks throughout the weekend, and for unforgettable surreal street theatre for all ages, don’t miss Marco the Alchemist!
The music programme includes the Silver Moon Quintet, Galway’s much loved St Patrick's Brass Band, the Galway Baytones, the Claregalway Community Choir and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra.
The Botanic Art Exhibition is a well-established attraction at the festival featuring the work of many of Ireland's best known artists; many of the paintings are for sale, along with limited edition prints. This exhibition will be launched at 7pm on Friday, July 5 by Dr Marina Levitina, founder of the Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary.
Food and craft of the highest quality are a major part of this eclectic festival. Freshly cooked foods will be available from Handsome Burger, Bartollini Pizza, Sian Pemium Street Food, and more. Handmade crafts and artisan foods are available and include the best of Galway County Council's ‘Made in Galway’ group.
Guest speakers on Saturday will include:
12.30pm: Seona Tully, horticulturist and passionate hobbyist – “Indoor plants – an introduction to semi hydroponics – no soil, no pots, no problem.”
1pm: Jimi Blake, award-winning plantsman and creator of Hunting Brook garden – “My favorite flowers for a summer border; use of colour and plant selection for spectacular combinations.”
2pm: Colm O’Driscoll, head gardener at Lismore Castle – “Lismore Castle and nature inspired gardening.”
3pm: Karen Williams, award winning garden designer and Bloom Gold medalist – “Flower farmers of Ireland and designing for Bloom.”
On Sunday the speakers are:
1pm: Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times journalist, flower farmer and wedding florist – “Gardening for all seasons.”
2pm: Klaus Laitenberger - well-known organic gardener, author, teacher, garden restorer and seed supplier.
3pm: Christopher White, Chelsea Flower Show and Bloom Gold medalist and creator of 3 Lights Nursery, who will deliver “The Rose and Dahlia Gardener's Workshop.”
Specialist nurseries
This year sees a very large representation from Ireland's best plantspeople and will include Boyne Garden (Best in Show, Bloom ), Rare Plants Ireland, Coldblow Nursery, Leaf and Petal, Kilmurray, Irish Fuchsia, Mulhall Obelisks, Dangan Nurseries, Air Plants, Cottage Garden Plants, Harry White Flowers, Sprout Plants and Flower Farmers of Ireland.
The 2024 Galway Garden Festival takes place between 11am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7 at Claregalway Castle. Entry is €15; €10 seniors and students and children under 16 are free. Gate profits will go to CBM Ireland (Christian Blind Mission ). There is free parking close-by, or use Bus Eireann (www.expressway.ie ) - Routes 52 and 64 run regularly from Galway city. So go to Claregalway for a very special weekend. Thanks to Galway County Council for supporting this event.
For further information and programme announcements, see www.galwaygardenfestival.com
