It’s February and that can only mean one thing – Snowdrop Month in Co Carlow.
The delicate white and green blooms of the snowdrop peeping out of the cold earth for many heralds the start of the gardening year.
Accordingly, Carlow Tourism’s indefatigable team has put together a programme of events celebrating this much loved harbinger of spring.
Guided tours of the remarkable snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens will run daily from February 1-28, proving an opportunity to view this unique collection, first started by Corona North, former owner of the gardens.
Further developed by the Office of Public Works over the past 20 years, the collection is now among the largest in Ireland, with over 150 named varieties. The 40-acre Altamont estate, on the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow, features an enchanting blend of formal, informal and wild gardens.
A major highlight for 2025 is the recent acquisition of a unique snowdrop collection by Robert Miller of Altamont Plant Sales.
This exceptional collection, sourced from the renowned Avon Bulbs in Somerset, England, includes more than 600 species and cultivars, many of which are rare or newly bred varieties.
Elsewhere, Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens will host a specialist snowdrop programme throughout the month.
Families can also enjoy snowdrop-themed fun at Huntington Castle, open every weekend in February, while nearby, Shankill Castle showcases an extensive snowdrop collection each weekend..
Burtown House, renowned for their equally impressive snowdrop displays, will welcome visitors each Wednesday to Sunday throughout February.
