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The Galway Garden Festival

Saturday July 10th and Sunday July 11th

Galway Garden Festival is to be held in the beautifully restored
Claregalway Castle www.claregalwaycastle.com on Sat.July 10th and Sunday
July 11th. This is the first Galway Garden Festival and it promises to
be a very special weekend.

'In Praise of Plants' is the theme of world renowned Dr. Matthew
Jebb's, talk, in the beautifully restored Hall of Claregalway Castle, on
Sunday. The theme of plants, their care and cultivation will be
discussed by other distinguished speakers including writer Tim Robinson
and ecologist Dr. Cillian Roden. These presentations are limited to an
audience of 100 people and tickets will be available on a first come
basis on the day.  Naturalist Gordon D'Arcy  will show  how to draw
birds (remember to bring  pencils and paper!). Gardening expert and
writer Klaus Laitenberger will demonstrate how to create a beautiful
garden - in addition to launching his new book .

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.

The inestimable work of organizations such as 'Bothar', The Beekeepers
Federation', 'The Organic Centre, Co. Leitrim, etc. can be appreciated
at the stands in the castle grounds.
Local Garden Designer Shirley Hope-Sweeney will be on site all weekend.

A variety of Food and drink  will be available in the grounds of the
early 15th century castle all day Saturday and Sunday. The Castle - one
of the earliest De Burgo Tower houses - has been saved from near
collapse by a gradual restoration program which began in 2003 and now
houses a collection of furniture from late 16th /early 17th centuries.
It can  be viewed at various times during 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 .

And the beneficiaries of this event?
All profits from entrance  fee (5 euros for adults) goes to the
wonderful  and transformative  work of the Christian Blind Mission
Ireland www.CBM.ie , who  work with great effectiveness to alleviate and
prevent avoidable blindness throughout the Developing World - with
emphasis on creating sustainable and locally delivered services.
Imagine a child in Africa or South America whose sight you helped save
by supporting this Garden Weekend!  The apples on the tree you might buy
at The Galway Garden Festival will be all the sweeter, knowing buying
that tree helped save a child's sight.

Contacts

Dr Eamonn O'Donoghue 091 584584 (eyeod@iol.ie)
Padraigin O'Donoghue 087 6354747 (poddo@eircom.net)

For more details  look up www.galwaygardenfestival.com