Garden Digest: July diary dates to make the most of our room outside

Check out all the garden visits, tours, talks, events, campaigns and online resources for our green spaces

Local gardeners in Innishannon will open their gates to the public for the Gardens and Galleries events on July 11 and July 12. File picture

• On Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, Innishannon will again host Gardens and Galleries when local gardeners open their gates to the public, and artists and craftspeople display their creations. Register at the parish hall, €10.
• Galway Garden Festival takes place on July 4 and 5 from 11am-6pm, at Claregalway Castle, Co Galway. A presentation, “Labours of Love” by Dr Jason McElligott, director, Marsh’s Library, Dublin, at 2pm on July 5 will explore the 18th-century gardens of Jonathan Swift and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Many more speakers will also focus on gardens for the 21st century, including BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panellist Neil Porteous, who will present on various gardening topics. Visit Galwaygardenfestival.com. There is free admission to students and children, seniors €10, and all others €15.
• Carlow Garden Festival returns from Saturday, July 25, to Sunday, August 2, this year, bringing together some of the most respected names in gardening from Ireland and the UK for nine days of talks, tours, workshops and unique garden experiences across Co Carlow. See Carlowgardentrail.com.
• The Saturday morning gardening club at Stonewall Gardens, Carrigaline, offers advice and a chance to get your hands dirty by planting and pruning. The €12.50 fee includes seeds, compost, tools, and tea/coffee. Book at Eventbrite.
• The Gather Together: Foraging Walk by Ferment Forage Grow takes place at Fitzgerald Park in Cork city on August 15 from 11am-12.20pm. Fermenter, forager and gardener Chloe Dempsey (@fermentforagegrow) will lead a walk through Fitzgerald Park, guiding participants on how to identify common edible and medicinal plants. Suitable for beginners; see @corkonaforkfest.
• To celebrate National Heritage Week 2026, Head Gardener’s House at Fota will be open on August 16 from 10am-4pm. This is a free event offering a self-guided tour of this charming house, now restored as self-catering accommodation. Visitors can enjoy the scenic location while exploring the work of the Irish Landmark Trust. Contact [e-mail] for any queries.
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