Galway Garden Festival

Claregalway festival celebrating plants 🌱

The 13th annual Galway Garden Festival will take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2024 in the wonderful surrounds of Claregalway Castle and it promises to be a very special weekend. Everyone may enjoy this distinctive and endearing event.

A magnificent gathering of some of Ireland’s top dealers in rare and exceptional plants, as well as knowledgeable speakers, artisans in the food and craft industries, and a variety of musical acts performing outdoors are expected to be confirmed such as the following from last years event.

Garden Experts
Nursery suppliers from across Ireland will share a wealth of planting experience with all who browse the plant stalls’ extensive range of plants, trees, seeds, and shrubs. Garden equipment, from hoes to glasshouses to woven willow baskets, will be available.

For kids
Nemo the Magician, the charming new show by ‘Yer Mans Puppets,’ Guido Fanzini’s fascinating circus act, knights in medieval armor clashing swords in a mini-tournament, and the re-enactment team from ‘Claoimh’ bring history to life are just a few of the street performers.

Music
The Galway Baytones, the Barceló Brothers, the St Patricks Brass Band, the Claregalway Community Choir, and the folk ensemble “4 Shillings Short” are among the musical acts on the program.

Art
The Botanic Art Exhibition is a well-known festival event that showcases the work of some of Ireland’s most well-known artists; many of the paintings and limited edition prints are for sale.

Food & Craft
A significant component of this unique Festival is high-quality food and crafts. Handsome Burger, Castle Kitchen, Ember Firehouse, and other restaurants will be serving freshly prepared meals. The best of Galway County Council’s “Made in Galway” group is among the selection of handcrafted goods and artisan delicacies.

About Claregalway Castle

The castle — one of the earliest De Burgo tower houses — has been saved from near collapse by a gradual restoration programme which began in 2003. It now houses a collection of furniture from late 16th and early 17th centuries, which can be viewed during the festival. Visitors can sit on the banks of the Clare River in the lush greenery of Claregalway Castle between expert talks or accompany their kids as they ride Connemara ponies on Saturday .

All profits from the entrance fee (€10 for adults) goes to the wonderful and transformative work of the Galway Simon Community, Claregalway Day Care Centre and Christian Blind Mission Ireland (www.CBM.ie), which works to alleviate and prevent avoidable blindness throughout the developing world, with emphasis on creating sustainable and locally delivered services. The apples on the tree you might buy at The Galway Garden Festival will be all the sweeter, knowing buying that apple tree helped improve someones life.

There is free parking close-by and a free bus provided by Bus Eireann running regularly from Ceannt Station in Galway City to and from Claregalway Castle. So come to Galway for a very special weekend!

For more details visit www.galwaygardenfestival.com