Date set for major garden festival

GARDEN Show Ireland has announced that the new backdrop for the 2013 Airtricity Garden Festival, which will take place from May 17-19, will be the magnificent Hillsborough Castle itself.  “The Show’s ambition has always been to become even more integrated with its venue in the glorious surroundings of the castle gardens at Hillsborough and with the growth of the Show, we are delighted finally to be able to realise this dream,” said Show Director, Claire Faulkner.

Left to right: Josh Bradley, Airtricity, Minister of State Mike Penning MP, Claire Faulkner, Garden Show Ireland, Brian Henderson, Cystic Fibrosis Trust in front of the new backdrop for the 2013 Airtricity Garden Festival taking place 17-19 May 2013 on the lawns and surrounding gardens of Hillsborough Castle.

“The Garden Show Ireland team works hard to provide a unique experience to visitors and it is our belief that the new style event with so many additional attractions as well as the beautiful new setting will attract more visitors than ever in 2013.” Parking will be provided on-site organised by the Show’s nominated charity for 2013, Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

On leaving the car park, visitors will have the opportunity to walk down the beautiful lime tree walk to access the Show’s activities. The Show will be situated on the lawns around Hillsborough Castle and throughout the varied parkland of the estate.

Minister of State, Mike Penning said: “I very much welcome the Airtricity Garden Festival to the main grounds of Hillsborough Castle.

“The gardens here are beautiful and I look forward to seeing them full of visitors seeking advice from all the gardening experts, making their purchases and enjoying the Show and the Castle’s gardens.”

Cream teas, champagne and strawberries, roast hog and fresh salads are the order of the day, with the music of the Jazz Band in the background.

This year will see new gardening experts to answer all your garden queries as well as many of the familiar faces of previous Shows, and a host of plants to admire and buy. An expanded Craft village and Food Market, as well as garden tools and machinery together with a host of Little Green Finger activities for kids, mean that all the family are ensured a fun day out.

Reduced rates are available for advance bookings online at www.gardenshowireland.com/buy-tickets.

For further information see www.gardenshowireland.com .