The people of Mayo are invited to enjoy and appreciate a new public garden in Ballina this Heritage weekend.
On Sunday afternoon, August 26, the Jackie Clarke Collection will host an open day from 2 - 6pm in the town’s very own “secret garden” at the former Provincial Bank building on Pearse Street.
The garden was originally developed alongside the Provincial Bank building in the 1880s and was intended solely for the enjoyment of successive bank managers and their families who resided in the Thomas Manly Deane designed property.
Prior to that, the plot formed part of the neighbouring Presbyterian orphanage. That building was known locally as “the bird’s nest” and was home to many children orphaned as a result of the Famine.
The property has been vacant in recent years but is about to enter a new era when it becomes the permanent home to the Jackie Clarke Collection of historical Irish material later this year. The vast, priceless, collection was amassed by the late local businessman and politician, Jackie Clarke.
Sinead McCoole, director, Jackie Clarke Collection, said it has been wonderful being part of this innovative project that has seen an historic building revived and a private garden brought into public ownership. She paid tribute to Axel Hens and Mitchell and Associates whose innovative design had brought the concept for the garden to fruition.
Mrs Anne Clarke, donor of the collection, stressed that the Heritage Week open day will be a real community celebration: “I hope that people will feel very welcome to come and avail of this opportunity to see the garden at the Jackie Clarke Collection for the first time. Jackie would have wanted this significant event to be a community based one.”
For more information on this event or the Jackie Clarke Collection contact 089 455 1896.
