Welcoming the first signs of Spring
February 1 – February 28, 2025
The delicate white and green blooms of the snowdrop peeping through the cold winter ground heralds the start of the gardening year.
Their arrival is celebrated throughout some of County Carlow’s fantastic gardens by a dedicated series of events during February.
Snowdrop Gala 2026
The annual Snowdrop Gala – Celebrating Snowdrops and Other Spring Treasures – at Ballykealey House, Ballon on Saturday January 25th 2025 celebrates its 14th anniversary this year and has become a firm favourite with lovers and enthusiasts of this special flower.
Snowdrop Time in Huntington Castle
These historic 17th century grounds feature a large 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.
The Sensory Snowdrop Experience
Carlow’s award-winning Delta Sensory Gardens is proud to unveil its Sensory Snowdrop Experience. 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’, ‘Lerinda’, ‘Merlin’, ‘Natalie Garton’, ‘S. Arnott’, ‘Green Man’, ‘Hippolyta Double’, ‘Babraham Scented’, ‘Magnet’, ‘Brenda Troyle’, ‘Modern Art’ and many more – making it a must-visit destination for galanthophiles and garden lovers.
Snowdrop Season at Altamont Gardens: A Spring Celebration of Nature’s First Bloom
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore Altamont Garden’s unique snowdrop collection, which was first started by the late Corona North, the former owner of the gardens. Over the past twenty years, the collection has been expanded and nurtured by the OPW (Office of Public Works), and now features almost 150 named varieties. Set within a 40-acre estate on the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow, Altamont Gardens offers a captivating mix of formal, informal and wild gardens, providing the perfect backdrop for these early spring flowers.
Snowdrop Season at Arboretum
Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens serve as a stunning backdrop for the early bloomers that signal the start of the gardening year. The Snowdrop collection at Arboretum features a few thousand snowdrop bulbs, including the fragrant Galanthus ‘Flore Pleno’, known for its dainty, double-white flowers, and the pure white Galanthus ‘Mount Everest’, a robust variety perfect for naturalising in gardens.