Get your wellies and wedges out of the cupboard and take part in a garden event or festival this month…
An Exclusive GLOSS Reader Event with Diarmuid Gavin at Amo & Pax
Join us at Amanda Pratt’s store, Amo & Pax in Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow on Sunday May 19 for a special coffee morning with Diarmuid Gavin. Learn how to create a garden filled with flowers and colour all summer long, and browse Amo & Pax’s edit of fashion, accessories, jewellery, gifts, books and homewares, chosen with creativity and sustainability in mind. Tickets, €35; to book, see here; www.thegloss.ie.
Tulip Festival, Glenarm Castle & Garden, Co Antrim
One of the most colourful events of the year is the Tulip Festival at Glenarm Castle & Garden, Co Antrim, from May 4-6, where Lord and Lady Antrim have created a series of six inspiring garden “rooms” with the help of designer Catherine FitzGerald and plantsman Neil Porteous. www.glenarmcastle.com
May Sunday Festival, Glenbower Woods, East Cork
The 200-year-old May Sunday Festival in East Cork, at Glenbower Woods, May 3-6, includes a celebration of trees with Helena Walsh, a photography exhibition, morning yoga sessions and a dawn chorus walk. www.greywoodarts.org
Art In The Gardens, Mount Congreve, Co Waterford
Sign up for one of Mount Congreve’s art masterclasses, also on May 5, part of a three-day Art in the Gardens event. Artists Eamon Colman, Róisín Curé, Julie Cusack and Sinéad Lucey will lead the sessions. www.mountcongreve.com
Great Garden Escape, Faithlegg Hotel, Co Waterford
Book a two-night Great Garden Escape at nearby Faithlegg, which includes entrance to Mount Congreve, accommodation and dinner. www.faithlegg.com
Bealtaine Festival, nationwide
“Lust for Life” is the theme of this year’s Bealtaine Festival. Its Dawn Chorus is a nationwide choral event in which older people come together with a choir in their locality and sing at dawn to welcome the season; May 5, 7.30am. www.bealtaine.ie
Twilight Nature Rable, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin
Join a Twilight Nature Ramble at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin on May 24, part of its Gardens of Diversity Month. www.botanicgardens.ie
Mallow Home & Garden Show, Cork Racecourse
Or pay a visit to the Mallow Home & Garden Show at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, May 26-28. www.corkracecourse.ie
Bord Bia Bloom, The Phoenix Park, Dublin
Visit garden designer Leonie Cornelius’ Óir – The Zarbee’s Garden – at Bord Bia Bloom 2024, from May 30. www.bordbiabloom.com
An Exclusive GLOSS Botanical-Inspired Event with Modern Botany
Join THE GLOSS at an exclusive botanical inspired event to experience the very special premium skincare brand, Modern Botany, at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2, on May 29. Tickets: €50, guests will receive a gift from Modern Botany worth more than €100. To book see here; www.thegloss.ie/modernbotany.
Ballymaloe Festival of Food, Shanagarry, Co Cork
Bonus food festival: The inaugural Ballymaloe Festival of Food from May 17-19. Chefs Aishling Moore, Marco Pierre White, Clodagh McKenna and Georgina Hayden are some of those participating in dinners and demos. Weekend tickets, €65; www.ballymaloegrainstore.com.