Exciting line-up revealed for Laois festival

The Festival of Gardens and Nature has announced an exciting line-up for their highly anticipated two-day event next month.

The Laois festival runs over the May bank holiday weekend at Ballintubbert Gardens and House and is organised by Catherine FitzGerald and Dominic West.

Cullohill native and legendary Irish chef Darina Allen is one of the big names on the ticket along with food writer and broadcaster Nigel Slater and garden designer and TV personality Diarmuid Gavin.

Other speakers over the Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4 include Tom Stuart-Smith, Sean Ronayne, Johnny Flynn, Fergus Garrett, Dominic West, Giuliana Furci, Jamie Walton (aka Nettles & Petals), Merlin Sheldrake.

Founded by garden designers, Catherine FitzGerald, and Minnie Preston, the festival is a celebration of creativity, sustainability and the natural world. The festival offers a unique blend of expert talks, hands-on workshops, and interactive experiences designed to inspire garden enthusiasts of all levels.  

Amongst the rich schedule of talks and workshops, this year’s festival will also have a dedicated workshop area, where experts will lead hands-on sessions in gardening, sustainability, and wildlife conservation. Attendees can also enjoy a pre-ordered picnic at the festival in collaboration with Ballymaloe Cookery School and Restaurant, featuring fresh organic ingredients. Simply pre-order your picnic online, collect it at the festival, and enjoy it in the beautiful gardens. 

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The festival’s opening day will include a variety of exciting talks and activities including ‘Reflections of Life in the Kitchen and Garden’ with renowned food writer, Nigel Slater. Also not to be missed is ‘Nettles, Petals and Everything in Between’ by maverick gardener, Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpetals) and Homegrown’s tv presenter, Kitty Scully. Attendees can learn to grow without using chemicals in the ‘How to’ workshop area where they can hear Jamie’s top tips and tricks. Garden designer, Sean Pritchard will  host a session on creating natural floral arrangements.  

Day two will begin with a Dawn Chorus Walk for the early birds. During the day, expert garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin, will take participants on a journey through his 30 years of garden making and beyond, sharing insights with fellow designer, Daphne Shackleton. Meanwhile, a vital discussion featuring chef Darina Allen, Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics, and MEP Nina Carberry, will focus on the EU's ambitious goals for reducing waste, minimising pesticide dependency, and fostering a circular economy. Additionally, historian and arborist, Thomas Pakenham will reflect on the resilience of nature by exploring the legacy of legendary plant hunters who introduced the world's megaflora to our shores. 

 
On top of this packed schedule, attendees can also enjoy live music and artisanal food stalls, creating a memorable and enriching experience not to be missed! The festival’s new lunch hour will allow time to wander the gardens, look at the plant stalls and chat with friends.  

Tickets Prices: €110 for Saturday, €70 for Sunday, or €165 for a full weekend ticket.