OPW Welcomes Visitors to Experience the Beauty of Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens
- Foilsithe: 27 Eanáir 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 29 Eanáir 2026
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce the return of Snowdrop Month to the beautiful Altamont Gardens in Tullow, Co. Carlow. Snowdrop month will run throughout February this year.
With more than 150 named varieties of snowdrops, this impressive collection is amongst the largest in Ireland. Visitors can take a fascinating walk through the Arboretum, the Big Garden, and the Ice Age Glen, leading to the majestic River Slaney with breath taking views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains. Besides the snowdrops there are Hellebores in bloom and lots of other signs of spring to see.
Welcoming this announcement, Minister of State with Responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran stated: “It’s wonderful to see signs of spring in full bloom throughout Altamont Gardens. The impressive snowdrops display at Altamont is always a popular and uplifting sight in this beautiful setting. The OPW team at Altamont are very proud to care for Corona North’s garden legacy here at Altamont and to provide a space that can be enjoyed by all those who visit. Why not make your way to Altamont Gardens this February and see the spring come to life”.
Chairman of the Office of Public Works, John Conlon commented: “It’s wonderful to see more signs of spring as we transition out of winter. There can be very few better places to enjoy this than at Altamont House and Gardens. The impressive snowdrops display at Altamont is always a popular and uplifting sight in this beautiful setting”.
Altamont Gardens, known as the romantic garden in Ireland, and often called “the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown” attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. The gardens, cultivated since the 1750s and gifted to the nation by Corona North, are maintained by Head Gardener, Paul Whyte, and the OPW team at Altamont.
Head of Heritage at the OPW, Rosemary Collier said: "Snowdrop Month is a perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of Altamont and celebrate the arrival of spring in a tranquil and picturesque setting. Visitors can this 40-acre estate on the banks of the river Slaney, and enjoy the blend of formal, informal, and wild gardens so rich in biodiversity.”
The gardens open daily from 9am to 4.30pm. Entry is free, with complimentary tours available at 2pm every Monday to Friday during February. Group tours can be arranged by appointment. Visitors can enjoy walks through the Arboretum, the Big Garden, and the Ice Age Glen, leading to the majestic River Slaney with breath taking views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains.This Snowdrop Month is a perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of Altamont Gardens and celebrate the arrival of Spring in a tranquil and picturesque setting. For further information please check www.heritageireland.ie
For further information contact 046 940 7175 or email altamontgarden@opw.ie
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Notes
Snowdrop Festival: 1 to 28 February 2026
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