What's On: Welcome the first signs of Spring  with Snowdrop Month in Carlow

County Carlow celebrates the bloom of the snowdrop with a dedicated series of events during February.

See below the events welcoming the first signs of Spring:

The annual Snowdrop Gala at at Ballykealey House, Ballon on Saturday 27th January

The annual Snowdrop Gala at Ballykealey House, Ballon on Saturday January 27th celebrates its 12th anniversary this year. It has become a firm favourite with lovers and enthusiasts of this special flower.

This year’s programme features lectures by Steve Edney (UK), former Head Gardener at the Salutation and Canterbury Cathedral and owner of No Name Nursery and garden consultant who talks on “Sticks, Stems and the Stars of Spring” .

German speaker Michael Deisvogt, Director of Park Härle Arboretum in Bonn promises a fascinating talk “Plants and People: Snowdrops in a German Garden”.

Following lunch the afternoon includes a full guided tour of Altamont Gardens and a Specialist Plants Sale in Altamont Plant Sales featuring snowdrops from Avon Bulbs via Altamont Plants, Coosheen Plants, Cold Blow Nursery, Fields of Bloom, Assumpta Broomfield, Rosabell Plant Supports and Esker Farm Daffodils (Dave and Joules Hardy).

You must book in advance by calling Robert Miller on 087 9822135, emailing sales@altamontplants.com or online www.altamontplants.digitickets.co.uk/tickets 

Guided tours of the snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens from 1st – 29th February

The very popular Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens, now in its 23rd year, runs from February 1st – 29th and is a great opportunity to view this unique collection, first started by Corona North, former owner of the gardens. Having been further developed by the OPW over the last twenty years the collection is now amongst the largest in Ireland, with over 150 named varieties. This 40-acre estate, on the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow features an enchanting blend of formal, informal and wild gardens.

Guided tours take place each Monday - Friday throughout February at 2 pm and group tours are available by appointment. The gardens are open daily for general viewing from 9 am – 4.30 pm.

A specialist snowdrop programme in Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens from 1st – 29th February

Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens at the award-winning Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven has a specialist snowdrop programme for 2024. Arboretum’s founder, Rachel Doyle, created the gardens in 2010 to inspire her customers. Rachel likes to say that the snowdrops wake up the Inspirational Gardens, as they are the first to flower every 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’.

Snowdrop fun for all the family at Huntington Castle every weekend during February

Snowdrop fun for all the family is on offer each weekend during Snowdrop Month at Huntington Castle, listed as one of the top six gardens to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East. These historic 17th century grounds feature a collection of snowdrops and crocuses to be enjoyed in a unique setting. Along with the snowdrop collection you can view the French limes on the avenue, the lawns to the side of the house, the fish ponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the Yew Tree Walk. After the gardens head back to the castle where a guided tour of the house provides a window into both its fascinating past, and the lives of the family who call the castle home today.

An Gairdín Beo in Carlow Town celebrates snowdrops during various art forms on Saturday 24th February

A new addition to the snowdrop calendar is planned at the beautiful two-acre community garden An Gairdin Beo in Carlow Town. Craft and Coffee on Saturday, February 2 th celebrates snowdrops during various art forms.

An extensive snowdrop collection is available to view in Shankill Castle each weekend in February

The gardens located in Paulstown feature a spectacular range of early Spring bulbs and a carpet of snowdrops.

The gardens at Burtown House feature an equally impressive collection of snowdrops and will open every Wednesday – Sunday during February

Featuring an extensive collection of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and early bulbs. Hearty brunches and lunches using produce from the organic kitchen garden will be served at The Green Barn Restaurant

For more information about County Carlow's Snowdrop Month click HERE