Experience the beauty of Snowdrop Month with free guided tours at Altamont Gardens, Co. Carlow
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From: Office of Public Works
- Published on: 1 February 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The very popular Snowdrop Month returns to the beautiful Office of Public Works (OPW) gardens at Altamont Gardens in Tullow, Co. Carlow for the month of February. The collection is now amongst the largest in Ireland with over 150 named varieties of snowdrops. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit this 40-acre estate, on the banks of the river Slaney, and experience the enchanting blend of formal, informal and wild gardens.
Welcoming this announcement, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan commented:
"The Altamont Gardens is a sight to behold at any time of year but in particular during the month of February. It is during this time that the many varieties of snowdrops come into bloom to announce the beginning of Spring. If you have the opportunity, come and see this spectacular display in a magnificent location."
The gardens, cultivated since the 1750s and Gifted to the nation by Corona North are in the care of the OPW and cared for by Head Gardener, Paul Whyte and the OPW team at Altamont.
Free tours are available at 2pm every Monday to Friday throughout the month of February (group tours by appointment).
Known as the romantic garden in Ireland, it is one of the top Irish gardens and is often referred to as “the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown”. It may still be very cold outside but in fact the gardens of Ireland are shaking off the wintery weather and there is no better time of year to catch this fabulous display of snowdrops in these beautiful tranquil gardens.
The gardens open daily from 9am to 4.30pm and are made up of beautiful lawns sloping down to a romantic lake surrounded by rare trees, rhododendrons and shrubs. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, the Big Garden and the Ice Age Glen leads to the majestic River Slaney with wonderful views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains.
Notes
Snowdrop Festival: 1-29 February 2024
Tours: Every Monday to Friday at 2pm (Group Tours by Appointment)
Location: Altamont Gardens, Kilbride, Tullow, Co Carlow R93 N882
Guided Tours – Free Car Parking Fee - €2 per vehicle
Opening times for the Gardens: 9am - 4.30pm, Daily
Sugar and Spice Café (located in the Walled Garden) is open serving hot drinks and cakes