This Sunday (Sept 1 ), the annual Autumn Garden Fair takes place again in Claregalway Castle, where some of Ireland’s best nurseries and rare plant specialists will display a great selection of shrubs, trees and more. It also coincides with an International Medieval Combat Tournament which runs throughout the weekend.
Autumn is the best time to plan, plant and redesign a garden. The ground is still warm and plants and trees can settle in to guarantee good growth. You still see the gaps that need filling, the plants you want to remove and replace. Wish you had pears, plums, apple, peach trees? Now is an ideal time to plant some potted trees and you can look forward to a beautiful spring display of blossom, followed by fruit.
This year features a special programme by the Connaught Bonsai Club -which will demonstrate many aspects of the aesthetics and philosophy of this ancient art form which connects humans with nature.
It is also a last chance to view the annual exhibition of the Irish Botanical Artists Association curated by Jane Stark.
The Galway Flower & Garden Club will be present in the main hall to unveil their programme for next year and to advise on all things relating to flower arranging and many other gardening activities.
Not an experienced gardener? This then is a great opportunity to meet gardeners with years of experience who can guide and advise the best route to planning your own paradise garden.
Want to enhance a balcony or window area?. Meet the suppliers who can transform a dull space into something beautiful.
Not even a garden enthusiast? Come out and join the green fingered for coffee and light refreshments and hear why a garden matters so much to so many.
Exhibitors will include:
Boyne Garden Centre - a great selection of perennials, Peonies roses and more - this award winning garden centre has seven successive Gold Medals including three medals for ‘ Best in Show’ at Bloom Garden Show Ireland.
Rare Plants Ireland - an extensive range of unique, rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials.
Coldblow Nursery – specialist herbaceous plants.
Yoga Soul Nursery – specialist perennials, shrubs, trees and the unusual.
Leaf & Petal Nursery
Esker Farm Daffodils
Irish Fushsia
Forest Moon Nursery
Mulhall Obelisks
Also …. The Owl Tree, Sliabh Aughty Honey & Natural Irish Skincare, Metal and Mallet, Shiva Moon, Itchy Feet
Bernard Dooley Art, Cole Ceramics , Gran Gran Foods ….and more.
Enjoy delicious food offerings from Handsome Burger and Castle kitchen. .
This special garden gathering is an opportunity to get the right advice for your dream garden – from the experts.
Medieval Tournament
Visitors can also enjoy the thrilling spectacle of the Annual Claregalway Shield – an International Medieval Combat Tournament. Over 60 fully armoured fighters from Europe, North America, Britain and Ireland will compete for the coveted prize in 1 to 1 duels and group fights with real swords, axes and other medieval weapons.
Please note The Tournament takes place on Saturday, August 31 as well as Sunday Sept 1. The Autumn Garden Fair is on Sunday, September 1st only.
The events at Claregalway Castle will take place from 11am to 6pm. There is limited onsite parking and admission is €5.
