As February marks the beginning of snowdrop season, here’s why you might want to plan a visit to Co Carlow this spring
February 1st traditionally signals the beginning of spring in Ireland as we celebrate Imbolc and St Brigid’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Bríde. From here, we welcome longer, brighter days, breaking the cold and darkness of winter.
Symbolising this, the snowdrop is a flower associated with hope, rebirth and the arrival of spring. Showcasing their resilience, snowdrops are also one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often despite cold weather and snow.
If you’re a full blown galanthophile, or just have a fondness for the snowdrop, Carlow is the best county in Ireland to view them in all their glory this spring. Here’s the full guide of where to visit.
Guided tours of the snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens
Altamont Gardens in Tullow is home to Ireland’s largest public snowdrop collection and one of the most significant in Europe. The very popular snowdrop month at Altamont Gardens runs from February 1st to February 28th and is a great opportunity to view this unique collection which numbers almost 150 varieties. This 40-acre estate, on the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow features an enchanting blend of formal, informal, and wild gardens. The gardens are open daily from 9am-4.30pm for general viewing. Sugar and Spice Cafe located in the Walled Garden is open serving hot drinks and delicious cakes.
Join an informative morning at at Altamont Plant Sales
Altamont Plant Sales on the grounds of Altamont Gardens offers an extensive and exceptional snowdrop selection, which has been significantly expanded in recent years with major additions from the renowned Avon Bulbs collection from Somerset, England, bringing hundreds of species and cultivars, including many rare and newly bred varieties. This expansion helps make Altamont’s overall snowdrop holdings among the largest in Ireland and one of the most significant public collections in Europe.
On Saturday 21 February, join Robert Miller and Rosie Maye at Altamont Plants for an enjoyable, informative and practical morning devoted to Snowdrops and the woodland plants that thrive amongst them. This event is perfect for gardeners who love woodland planting and are hoping to get more from their Snowdrop displays. Robert and Rosie will share practical tips, advice and ideas to help create beautiful woodland gardens. They will also be discussing their favourite Snowdrops, Hellebores, Cyclamen and plenty of other treasures.. altamontplants.com
The sensory snowdrop experience at Delta Sensory Gardens
Carlow’s award-winning Delta Sensory Gardens is proud to unveil its Sensory Snowdrop Experience running from January 31st to February 28th. Inviting guests to explore rare and beautiful varieties in a setting designed to engage all five senses. The gardens boast an exceptional snowdrop collection including Drummonds Giant, Trymposter, Bill Bishop, The Pearl, Spindlestone Surprise and many more – making it a must-visit destination for galanthophiles and garden lovers alike. Book online at Delta Sensory Gardens.
Snowdrop month in Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens
At Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens in Leighlinbridge, thousands of snowdrops awaken the gardens each year; and there is something different every month after that. There are a few thousand snowdrop bulbs in the gardens made up of Galanthus ‘Flore Pleno’, which produces dainty fragrant double-white flowers, and the pure white Galanthus ‘Mount Everest‘, a large, strong variety perfect for naturalising. In the shop, find an array of potted snowdrops including ‘Mount Everest‘ and the common snowdrop ‘Nivalis‘. Free admission. Visit from February 1st to 28th.
Garden, Woodland and Castle Tours at Huntington Castle
These historic 17th century grounds feature a collection of snowdrops and early spring bulbs to be enjoyed, along with the French limes on the avenue, the lawns to the side of the house, the walk through the wilderness and the Yew Tree area. After the gardens head back to the castle where a guided tour of the house is available – or simply take a well-earned break in the cosy tea room, serving delicious locally baked treats and hot drinks. To get the full Huntington experience, consider a stay in one of their beautiful castle rooms or self-catering cottages. Children’s adventure playground also open. Book online at Huntington Caste & Gardens. Visit every weekend from January 31st onwards.
Gardens at Burtown House
The delightful gardens at Burtown House are open every Wednesday to Sunday, where you’ll find a wealth of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and other early spring bulbs. The gardens are a beautiful way to witness nature’s first blooms in their full glory. After a stroll through the gardens, enjoy a hearty brunch or lunch at the Green Barn Restaurant, serving dishes made with produce from the house’s organic kitchen garden. Booking is recommended for the restaurant to ensure a spot! From Wednesday January 28th onwards. burtownhouse.ie
Historic Shankill Castle gardens
Shankill Castle and Gardens in Paulstown takes part in Snowdrop Month, showcasing an extensive collection of snowdrops and other early spring bulbs each weekend throughout February (and until March 1st) as part of the county-wide celebration of the first flowers of spring. The castle gardens are opened to visitors on weekends (typically from 11 am to 5 pm) so you can wander through the grounds and enjoy the delicate blooms carpeting the garden and woodland areas. Set against the historic backdrop of Shankill Castle, the snowdrops create a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll and photography. The gardens feature a Victorian walled garden and a variety of early spring plantings, making it a lovely stop on the Carlow Garden Trail. shankillcastle.com
For more information on events and visiting details in Snowdrop Month, visit carlowgardentrail.com.
Funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Shoulder Season Marketing Fund.
