New hospital to radically improve quality of care for patients

Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly T.D, today (Friday April 27th) announced the first phase opening of the new €284 million Mater Campus Hospital Development which will radically improve the quality of service and care for patients of the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (the Mater Hospital).

The landmark new public hospital will contain state-of-the art facilities including 12 new operating theatres, 120 one-bed en suite rooms, new emergency and out patients departments and a 444-space underground car park. It will be the greenest and most technologically driven hospital in Ireland upon its completion.

Currently the Mater hospital admits approximately 16,500 patients each year. In addition it treats in the region of 40,000 day patients, 47,500 Emergency Department cases and in excess of 220,000 outpatients annually.

The development, in conjunction with the National Clinical Programmes, will result in reduced waiting times for theatre, outpatient and accident and emergency services and will provide increased privacy, dignity and comfort for patients.

The Mater Campus Hospital Development started in 2000 and involves the rebuilding of parts of Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, which celebrated its 150th birthday last year. While it provides for modern buildings and equipment for existing services, it also has significant additional capacity to cater for growing patient needs.

Phase One of the hospital, providing for the new outpatients department, catering and technical services, will be fully open in June. The new emergency department, car park, operating theatres, ICU, radiology and single en suite rooms will roll out in Phase Two between July and December 2012. Completion of final works will be in May of 2013.

The addition of 100% single rooms will be of particular benefit to cardiothoracic, orthopaedic-spinal and oncology patients and will play a significant role in fighting the spread of infection. By the end of the year the hospital will have Irelands first out patients “self-registration” check-in service.

Speaking at a special preview of the new hospital today, attended by the Minister for Health, Chairman of Mater Campus Hospital Development, Sr Helena O’Donoghue, said: “I am delighted to see the results of a wonderful, up-to-date, state-of-the-art, hospital building that will provide healthcare for the country with its national and tertiary services as well as serving Dublin’s north inner city, which is the oldest and poorest catchment area in the country.”

Mater Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brian Conlan, said: “This is a great day for all our patients and staff. We now have state-of-the-art, eco-friendly accommodation and facilities, creating a perfect environment for delivery of top class care to our patients provided by the best professionals in the business.”

He added: “For the 50,000 patients that attend our Emergency Department, or the 220,000 outpatient attendees each year, the new Emergency and Outpatient Departments are now appropriately sized providing privacy, dignity and comfort with sufficient capacity to meet demand.”

Clinical Director, Professor Conor O’Keane, said: “The Mater hospital has a tradition of excellence in patient care for over 150 years. This new facility will allow the Mater to continue to enhance its national reputation for high quality care.

“This new build will also allow us to break free of the shackles of limited space as we will now have appropriately sized departments and waiting areas. This landmark building provides patients and staff with an environment reflective of the quality of care patients get at the Mater into the 21st century and beyond.”

The new hospital is contributing significantly to the urban renewal of the north inner city and consolidates it as a major hospital district.

Special attention has been paid to the quality of the physical environment for patients, staff and visitors, and it reflects best practice in contemporary architecture and design
The hospital will benefit from the State’s Percent for Art Scheme whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly funded capital, infrastructural and building development is ring-fenced for the commissioning of works of art. Two stunning tapestries by internationally renowned Irish artist, Patrick Scott, will be in the new Outpatients Department. Further artworks are being commissioned through the building.

Further enhancing the hospital environment is a spacious, rooftop, decked garden – a precious space for the use of patients, staff and visitors alike.

Laura Magahy, Project Director for the MCO Projects / Jacobs Engineering Team said ‘this is one of the greenest, leanest and most technology enabled hospital in the country – the result of collaborating with all the project stakeholders to integrate patient-centred design and cost-effective business planning in healthcare’

Food producers in the South East are seeking out new business opportunities at a “Meet the Buyer” forum in Kilkenny today, (Wednesday, April 25th) aimed at helping them generate thousands of euros in new sales orders and to explore export markets.

More than 20 producers from counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary met national and international buyers at the first-ever South East Regional Buyer/Producer Networking event in the Lyrath Hotel – a new initiative which will provide a boost to the regions developing agri-food sector.

The producers showcased their food to the buyers, who met them individually to review their product ranges and offer advice on making deals, packaging and presentation.

Among the big buyers with international links attending the event were Sodexo Ireland, Compass Group PLC & Breaks Ireland who between them have a combined annual spend of €100m.

The “Meet the Buyer” event is a Southeast Regional Inter-agency Food Initiative, aimed at developing the agri-food sector in the region in line with the Irish Government’s Food Harvest 20/20strategy. It involves Invest Kilkenny, LEADER Rural Development Programmes, and Enterprise Boards from counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford City , Waterford County and Wexford.

Kilkenny County Council and Barrow Nore Suir Rural Development have also contributed towards the costs of organising and hosting the event.

The Southeast Regional Inter-agency Food Initiative was launched in 2011 by Kilkenny County Council. The group includes senior executives or directors of major food producers Glanbia (Joe Collum & Jim Bergin), Dawn Foods (Dan Browne), Brett Brothers (Jimmy Brett) and Red Mills (Joe Connolly). It also includes Declan Rice of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, who led the development of the Kilkenny food strategy blueprint ‘Growing a Local Food Economy’, and Joy Moore of Oldtown Hill Bakehouse, representing the smaller food producer sector.

Joe Collum, Director of International Development, Glanbia Consumer Products, said developing a fast track, export focused route to market is essential for SME’s in the food area. “The “Meet the Buyer” event is a first step to help high potential food companies gain a foothold into the export sector.”

Kilkenny County Chairman, Mr Paul Cuddihy said: “What makes this agri food initiative unique is the central participation of the major food companies in the region including Glanbia, Dawn Meats, Connolly Red Mills, Brett Brothers as well as LEADER and Oldtown Bakers from the SME Sector.

Mr Cuddihy also paid tribute to LEADER and the County Enterprise Boards across the region for their supports.

Mr Joe crockett “There is huge potential for growth in the agri-food sector and the south east is rich in food producers. This event is designed to provide producers with ideas and strategy for growth and development both at home and abroad. I wish to thank Joe Callum of Glanbia for his initiative and huge contribution to this process.”

Mr Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER partnership, said the initiative is about protecting what is unique and attractive about small food businesses, while increasing their ability to sell in the demanding retail multiple and food service sector.

“ The cooperation of all the local development agencies, LEADER and CEB’s in the southeast region demonstrates the huge potential that exists for an organised network of small food producers in dealing with the larger multiples and food service businesses of Ireland and the UK. Working as a professional network, these small enterprises can keep their individual strengths and attractiveness, while retaining the ability to respond quickly to the specific demands of the larger buyers.”

Food companies taking part include:

Carlow:

Sullivan’s Traditional Irish Ginger Beer, Nutritious Nibbles, and Carlow Foods.

Kilkenny:

Highbank Orchards, Kells Wholemeal, Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese, and Oldtown Hill Bakehouse.

Tipperary:

Boulaban Farm, Hickey’s Bakery, The Tipperary Kitchen, McEvoy Farm Foods, Crowes Farm, Cashel Blue Cheese.

Wexford:

Featherbed Farm, Zanna Cookhouse, Annaharvey Farm Foods, O’Neill Foods, Killowen Foods,

Fanci Fungi, Wexford Home Preserves.

Waterford:

Dessert First, Ribworld/Kilkey Meats and Glorious Sushi.

IRELAND’S youngest artists have shown that a picture does tell a thousand words, particularly when it comes to driving home the importance of buying Irish.

Their accompanying slogans also showed they’re definitely getting the message behind the Guaranteed Irish St. Patrick’s Day Primary School colouring competition aimed at educating young people about the importance of buying Irish.

The outright winner is 12 year-old Chloe Murphy from Leighlinbridge National School in Co Carlow. She was among the top three presented with her award by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, TD. The talented artist’s entry was chosen from among thousands received in the art competition which also required that primary school pupils write in ten words why it is important to buy Irish products and services.

All three outright winners also showed they are very keen wordsmiths, as well as imaginative, creative artists. Chloe’s winning slogan was I think it is important to buy local/Irish because: “It helps more jobs”.

Chloe’s win is a major coup for the school as she wins a trip for her entire class plus her teacher to the well-known Causey Farm in Co. Meath. It offers a magical mix of experiences from exploring ancient bog lands to the wonders of giant bubble blowing, traditional turf cutting and a farm yard visit.

Runners up in the competition include Katie McDonnell (7) from Clonburis National School in
Clondalkin, Dublin 22. She wins an overnight stay in any Irish Country House hotel for herself, two adults and another child, plus an overnight stay for her teacher and another adult in any Irish Country House hotel. Her winning slogan was “To keep Irish is to keep it Irish.”

Third prize went to Katie Shelton (11) from St Michael’s National School in Arklow, Co Wicklow. Hers will be one of the best togged out schools in the country as her prize is a €300 O’Neills sports product voucher for her school. Her winning slogan really drove the message home. It was “Buying Irish will keep our sons and daughters at home”.

Research commissioned last year by GI shows that even a modest increase in spend of €4 per household per week on GI goods and services could create over 6,200 new jobs in Ireland . Guaranteed Irish is the organisation that promotes Irish products and services.

“Our children are our future and we are appealing to everyone young and old to look for Irish substitutes when shopping for gifts, food, clothes or services. This will help secure jobs and give young people a future. Consumers will be surprised at the range of quality Irish goods out there at competitive prices.” Executive Director of Guaranteed Irish, Tom Rea, said at the presentation of prizes for the Guaranteed Irish Primary Schools Art Competition in the National Gallery in Dublin . “We are very thankful to the companies who are part of Guaranteed Irish and who display our logo for these great prizes.”

Tom Rea said the competition was a great way to celebrate our National Day and at the same time to get the message out to young people, who are the shoppers and consumers of the future, of the importance of them and their parents supporting Irish.

“Buying Irish is high on the agenda now, and there is huge support from consumers. The vast majority of people now believe it is more important to buy Irish products and services. Companies should make every effort to highlight the fact that their product or service is Irish. Buying Irish is something positive that we can all do in order to help our economy. Buying Guaranteed Irish supports Ireland .”

The seaside town of Dungarvan in Co Waterford was transformed into ‘a food haven’ with record numbers of food lovers flocking to the gourmet paradise for the 5th annual Waterford Festival of food over the weekend.

The festival featured some of the best-known chefs in Ireland and the UK including Michelin-star holder Angela Hartnett, who cooked up a storm in the Tannery on Friday night, Richard Corrigan, Dylan McGrath, Martin Shanahan, Nick Munier and Paul Flynn.

The town’s Grattan Square was transformed into a mouth-watering artisan food hub yesterday (Sunday) for a farmers market celebrating the best of local food produce.

Angela Hartnett, a protégé of Gordon Ramsay, cooked a special meal in the well-known Tannery Restaurant in Dungarvan for 80 people on Friday night while the Deise Girls pop-up restaurant on Saturday went down a storm.

The winner of the Ready, Chef, Go competition which was compered by RTE’s John Murray was Conor Foran of Lawlors Hotel who went into a head-to-head in the final with well-known local café shop owner, Louise Clark of Nude Food.

A special meal by ‘The Brewer, The Blogger and The Baker’ was a sell out while a ‘Surf ‘n’ Turf’ duel between local renowned chef Paul Flynn of the Tannery and Martin Shanahan of Fishy Fish Kinsale also proved a winner.

The Festival of Food programme has been expanded and is more diverse than ever. According to Festival CEO Therese McDermott, it was another record-breaking, four day festival. “It has been an outstanding, resounding success. The feedback from visitors has been phenomenal and supporters have really been commending the variety on our programme which includes everything from events for the family to high-brow, high-calibre Michelin-star chefs to mobile farms.

“Among the highlights have to be the fantastic event which unfolded in our civic offices when the Brewer, the Blogger and The Baker came together and wowed their guests with an amazing meal with stunning beef provided by the local Dawn Meats. It’s been an amazing festival and shows what can happen when the private sector works with a local authority which provides us with absolutely fabulous support,” a delighted Therese said.

One of the distinctive aspects of this festival visitors to Dungarvan said is that it appeals to a wide range of people including entire families with a host of free as well as ticketed events over the weekend with something for all age groups and all tastes. Back by popular demand were seaweed seminars, foraging trails, cake decorating demos, the mobile farm at King John’s Castle, the community picnic in the park, restaurants trails and cookery demonstrations to mention but a few.

Many local businesses in Dungarvan and Lismore also hosted exciting events with Lismore Castle offering a unique opportunity to visit its kitchen garden and attend a cookery demonstration in the Castle Kitchens.

As is traditional, the festival spilled out of Dungarvan and Lismore played a key role again this year in the Waterford Festival of Food. Visitors to Lismore enjoyed children’s biscuit baking workshops and the amazing Lismore Farmers Market which offered ‘A Taste of West Waterford’.

The Waterford Festival of Food has gone from strength to strength and is very proud to have a loyal line up of sponsors, headed up by five-in-a-row title sponsor, Flahavans, with FBD, Glanbia, Dawn Meats, Pallas Foods and Truly Irish Country Foods all again on board. The Festival is also proud to be supported by Waterford Leader Partnerships, Waterford County Enterprise Board, Fáilte Ireland , Foras na Gaeilge and Waterford County Local Authorities.

Fancy building a bug hotel? Or joining in a special nature walk along the riverbank of one of Waterford ’s most historic mansions with Eanna Ni Lamhna from RTE? If so, then the Waterford Garden Trail Festival which runs in the county from May 1 to 13 is an absolute must.

Fun and educational events for all the family have been included in the first ever Waterford Garden Trail Festival line up, offering everyone from the very green fingered to the novice gardener a

unique opportunity to visit some of the finest gardens in the country, meet with their owners and those who tend lovingly to the extensive grounds.

Children’s events include Building A Bug Hotel workshops at the Blackwater Garden Centre near Youghal in Cork on Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 10 and another workshop at the same venue on May 3 and 10 where children will upcycle glass jars to make stylish night light lanterns for barbecues.

An Open Day at Ballyin Gardens just upstream from Lismore Castle on Sunday, May 6 will include a garden walk with The Irish Examiner’s Gardening Correspondent, Charlie Wilkins. and stalls, music and face painting while children are invited to uncover hidden treasures with a local conservation officer as part of a mock archaeological dig back at the Blackwater Garden Centre on May 9.

But the highlight for many is set to be a special nature walk with Eanna Ni Lamhna on the riverbank and garden paths of Dromana House near Lismore on Saturday, May 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult and a lecture will follow.

There’s also a photographic day back at Dromana on Sunday, May 13 and images gleaned by children and adults on the day will be entered in a competition with great prizes.

A total of 15 gardens, comprising of 12 privately owned gardens throughout County Waterford , and three garden centres in the area, are taking part in the festival. Some of the great local houses taking part include Lismore Castle , Salterbridge House, Cappoquin House and Garden and Dromana House and Gardens, Fairbrook Gardens , Abbey Road Gardens and many more treasures dotted around the county.

The Festival and the Garden Trail were the brainchild Waterford County Council and together with the festival committee it has put together a programme from May 1st to 13th that includes gardens, homes and plants, history and heritage and loads more.

Ithel McKenna from Blackwater Garden Centre says the festival will be fun for all of the family. “We want families to come and enjoy everything this region has to offer. The idea behind the events we’re hosting here at the Blackwater Garden Centre is to get children involved in and interested into their gardens and do understand that bugs are not always things to be stamped on.

“Through constructing a bug hotel we will be providing a good, beneficial environment where bugs will want to stay. Bugs like ladybirds are great in the garden – they eat greenfly etc. We will use pallets, hollowed out branches etc to create rustic bug hotels and other materials to create more artistic ones. Every child will go home with their own hotel. We also urge those coming for our dig to bring along their own spoon. It will be great fun and it’s all free,” Ithel said.

The festival’s diverse programme will also include Patrick O’Hara doing a Botanical Drawing Workshop at Lismore Castle on the opening day on May 1 and a Roy Lancaster lecture in Dungarvan Town Theatre the same evening. Tickets for both are selling fast. Robin Waistell, who was trained by the great Constance Spry, will be doing a flower arranging demonstration at Tourin House and the well known Dick Warner for a lecture at Salterbridge House & Gardens.

Groups are most welcome to visit all members of the Waterford Garden Trail where they will enjoy guided tours of the houses open to the public and of the gardens- usually with the owner or head gardener as your guide. They may also choose to enjoy afternoon tea or light refreshments in such unrivalled settings.

Irish animal feed company, Connolly’s RED MILLS, has become the first in the world to secure a licence to import horse feed into mainland China.
The Department of Agriculture, today (Monday, April 16th), signed the agreement for the animal feed licence with Chinese officials in Beijing during the Agri Services Trade Mission to China being led by Minister for Agriculture, Food and The Marine, Simon Coveney TD.
The deal – which is potentially worth several million euros – gives first mover advantage to the Co Kilkenny-based company which now becomes the first and only foreign feed company to be licenced for the import of horse feeds into mainland China.
Connolly’s Red Mills horse feeds are already well known to many of the leading stables in the world. Over one hundred group one, grade one, or grand prix events have been won by horses fuelled by their products in the last season.
“We embarked on the Chinese registration process in 2007 and are delighted to see it come to fruition today. Although the Chinese horse market is still emerging, there is considerable potential and advantage for us by being first past the post.” according to Connolly’s RED MILLS Managing Director, Joe Connolly.
The family owned company, which has been in business over 100 years, has a strong presence in Asia. It is established in six Asian markets since it started exporting to Japan in 2006. China now becomes Connolly’s RED MILLS’s 37th export market globally.
According to Joe Connolly, the Chinese want to be at a global standard not just economically, but also in sport. “The demand for world class services for sports horses is growing in China.
RED MILLS, as a supplier to many of the top stables in the world, can now offer the Chinese horse owner the most advanced performance nutrition and quality standards; particularly for anti-doping controls and product shelf-life.”
RED MILLS success in becoming the first foreign feed to sell into China will help the Irish horse industry in its drive to become a supplier of top horses and horse related products into the country, which has a population of almost 1.3 billion and is expected to become the world’s biggest economy by 2020.
The one hundred million Euro group employs 200 people at its plant in Goresbridge and at export offices around the world including the UK, Sweden, France, Japan and Malaysia.
The company uses the most advanced technologies and processes in making its feeds. It’s range of export products are packed using their unique Nutrient Fresh Management System (NFMS) to prolong shelf-life in warm climates. It is the only feed company to utilise LCMSMS in its on-site laboratory which tests for product quality and Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) to parts per billion.
NOPS occur naturally (such as morphine traces in poppy seeds) and can find their way into the animal via the food chain. Connolly’s testing technologies are the same as those used by the Olympic Council and forensic bodies around the world. It screens samples for seven key NOPS: caffeine, theobromine, morphine, hordenine, atropine, scopolamine and lupinine.
“This is what makes us a world leader in horse feed and this significant step into the Chinese market is something we are very excited about” said Joe Connolly.
While betting on racing is still not allowed in China, nevertheless over US$2.5B has been invested in race tracks all over the country in the last ten years.
“It is very difficult to estimate the value of this business, but the potential for RED MILLS as first mover could be very significant.” commented Joe Connolly.
He added: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the officers of the Irish Department of Agriculture, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs who have helped us across the line.”

Roy Lancaster, former BBC 2’s Gardener’s World presenter and Patrick O’Hara, celebrated botanical artist to host opening day events.

Two keys events not to be missed on the opening day of the first ever Waterford Garden Trail Festival on Tuesday 1st May 2012, are a lecture by renowned former presenter of BBC Gardeners World, Roy Lancaster, and a full day’s workshop by celebrated botanical artist Patrick O’Hara.

The Waterford Garden Festival will give gardening enthusiasts and the public the unique opportunity to visit some of the finest gardens in the county during the two weeks of the Festival which will feature a number of older gardens which have been lovingly restored through the years. The festival which will run from 1st May to 13th May, 2012.

Kristin Jameson, Chairperson of The Waterford Garden Trail says “We are delighted to announce that Roy Lancaster, renowned writer, broadcaster and lecturer will be coming to Dungarvan to give a lecture entitled “A Plantsman’s Pleasures” on the opening day of the Waterford Garden Trail Festival”.

Roy Lancaster was recently described in the Daily Telegraph’s top thirty most influential Gardeners as “a horticultural national treasure”. For many years he was a presenter on BBC 2′s Gardeners World and a panellist on BBC4 Gardeners Question Time as well as presenting Channel 4′s Garden Club. He is vice President of the Horticultural Society and holder of the Society’s Victoria Medal of Honour. He is also President of The Hardy Plants Society and The Maple Society. In 1999 he was awarded the OBE for services to horticulture.

Born in Bolton, Lancashire, Roy began his gardening career with the local Parks Department before spending 2 years as a student at the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden followed by 18 years with the famous nursery firm Hilliers of Winchester, much of this time as Curator of the Hillier arboretum in Hampshire. He played a major role in compiling The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs first published in 1971.

Roy Lancaster’s lecture will take place in the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre at 7.30pm on Tuesday 1st May, 2012. Tickets are €10 including a wine & cheese reception, booking for this event is essential so please contact Lismore Heritage Centre 058 54975 (incl. credit cards).

The Waterford Garden Festival is also delighted to announce an all-day Botanical Illustration workshop with celebrated botanical artist Patrick O’Hara in Lismore Castle Arts, also taking place on the opening day of the Waterford Garden Festival, Tuesday 1st May, 2012. Patrick O’Hara is best known for his highly detailed porcelain sculptures and watercolours.

This all day workshop will take place from 10am to 4pm, it is aimed at adults who have an interest in drawing and watercolours, and observing from nature and are seeking to improve their skills and ideas by using the rich flora as a subject and source of inspiration.

Join Patrick as he begins the day with a walk through the Upper Gardens, demonstrating how he discovers and documents flora in the wild. Participants will then return to the gallery to work with their chosen flower.

It is suggested participants bring their own sketchbooks and water-based materials of their choice (e.g. watercolours, gouache, acrylic, pencils, ink etc). Tickets cost €50 (€40 members & Concessions). Light lunch included. Places are strictly limited so booking and payment in advance is essential. For further information or to book a place please contact the organisers on 058-54061 or email gallery@lismorecastlearts.ie

A total of 15 gardens, comprising of 12 privately owned gardens throughout County Waterford, and three garden centres in the area, are taking part in the festival. Some of the great local houses taking part include Lismore Castle, Cappoquin House and Garden and Dromana House and Gardens and many more treasures dotted around the county.

While the key focus is on the county’s gardens, the Festival also includes lots for those with teeny tiny green fingers, including mock archaeological digs, bug hotel building, a family-focused photographic competition, nature walks, painting, a falconry display, bee-keeping workshops and more.

Through the Waterford Garden Festival the public will also be able to meet the garden owners, and learn of the dedication and commitment it takes to tend to such homes and their extensive grounds while picking up some great gardening tips at the same time, according to Garden Trail Festival Chairperson, Kristin Jameson.

The Festival and the Garden Trail were the brainchild Waterford County Council and together with the festival committee it has put together a programme from May 1st to 13th that includes gardens, homes and plants, history and heritage and lots more.

The festival’s diverse programme will include others guest speakers such as Robin Waistell, who was trained by the great Constance Spry, for a flower arranging demonstration at Tourin House and the well known Dick Warner for a lecture at Salterbridge House & Gardens.

According to Kirstin there is a lot of interest in a very special nature walk along the riverbank and garden paths of Dromana House with RTE’s Eanna Ni Lamhna, and a painting workshop at Tourin House with artist Andrea Jameson.

One event which is bound to prove a big hit is a “Building a Bug Hotel” workshop by Mike and Ithel McKenna and their team at the Blackwater Garden Centre in Youghal. There will also be ‘Lights for a Barbecue’ workshops and a mock archaeological dig complete with hard hats and high vis jackets.

For the whole family there is an Open Day featuring stalls, music, face painting and guided tours, a falconry display and more at Ballyin Gardens on Sunday, May 6.

“A number of the older gardens have been lovingly restored through the years, while the smaller ones are maturing beautifully with time. They’ll all be in pristine condition for the Festival. We do advise though that not all gardens on the Trail are suitable terrain for children, buggies or those with limited mobility and to check our website or consult with our members before you set out,” Ms Jameson said.

Speaking about the Garden Trail, Waterford County Manager Denis McCarthy commented that the trail is a wonderful addition to the suite of tourism products currently available in county Waterford. It is one of many initiatives that are currently being supported by Waterford County Council.

“Waterford County Council is delighted to be associated with this festival and I wish to congratulate the committee on organising such a niche event. The Waterford Garden Festival is a welcome addition to the Waterford Calendar of Festivals. The timing of the event is great for tourism providers as it will generate much welcome revenue in the shoulder season. The Council will continue to promote and support the local economy and local businesses and believes that the establishment of this event represents another important step forward in this county’s economic recovery.”

As the gardens and garden centres on the Trail are dispersed throughout the county, visitors will also have the opportunity to drive through some of the most spectacularly beautiful countryside – from the wild and rugged mountain ranges, which frame the county to the north, to the majestic and breathtaking coastline to the south.
Gardens on the Trail include:

· Abbey Road Garden in Ferrybank, a cottage-style garden filled with interesting and unusual Alpine and herbaceous plants, shrubs and mature trees http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/abbey-road-gardens/7342

· Ballyin Garden in Lismore, six acres which slope down to the river and feature lots of Montrey Cedar, one with the largest girth of any tree in county Waterford. http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/ballyin-gardens/76907

· Ballynatray Estate in Youghal, 850 acres featuring old noble trees and breathtaking views of the Blackwater. www.ballynatray.com

· Cappoquin House & Gardens, an 18th Century Georgian mansion and gardens featuring old arboretum rhododendrons, myrtles, schima, parotia as well as magnolias, camellias and azaleas. www.cappogquinnhouseandgardens.com

· Curraghmore Estate, a magnificent house and estate in the stunning valley o the Clodagh river with ancient oak woods and formal gardens. www.curraghmorehouse.ie

· Dromana House & Gardens near Cappoquin, a true gem perched on a rocky site overlooking the river Blackwater. www.dromanahouse.com

· Fairbrook House in Killmeaden which is surrounded by three acres including formal gardens, four lavender fields, special water features, a hidden garden with an old terracotta floor and loads more. www.fairbrook-house.com

· Lismore Castle Gardens, a stunning gem surrounded by seven acres featuring a wide variety of beautifully maintained plants and trees. www.lismorecastlegardens.com

· Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, seventy acres of intensively planted woodland gardens and a four acre walled garden which include over 3,000 different trees and shrubs; www.mountcongreve.com

· Salterbridge House & Gardens in Cappoquin. A Victorian house with gardens filled with many camellias, magnolias and beautiful rhododendron and green shrubs . www.salterbridge-houseandgarden.com

· Tourin House & Gardens in Cappoquin which extends over 5 acres to the banks of the river Blackwater. It features mature oak, beech, cedar, yew, pines and a fine collection of camellias, magnolias, rare shrubs and a walled garden with a collection of over 100 bearded Iris. www.tourin-house.ie

· Tramore House Gardens, a two and a half acre garden surrounding the elegant Victorian townhouse. It’s renowned for its natural planting with formal, box edged old rose beds, woodlands and shrubbery. http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/tramore-house-gardens/7344

The three garden centres in clued the Blackwater Garden Centre in Youghal Bay, Orchardstown Garden Centre near Tramore and Easter Island Garden Centre in Waterford city.

Groups are most welcome to visit all members of the Waterford Garden Trail where they will enjoy guided tours of the houses open to the public and of the gardens- usually with the owner or head gardener as your guide. They may also choose to enjoy afternoon tea or light refreshments in such unrivalled settings

The owners of some of Waterford’s finest historic houses are to throw open their magnificent gardens to the public as part of the first every Waterford Garden Festival which starts at the beginning of May.

Gardening enthusiasts and the public will have the unique opportunity to visit some of the finest gardens in the country during the two weeks of the Festival which will feature a number of older gardens which have been lovingly restored through the years.

A total of 15 gardens, comprising of 12 privately owned gardens throughout County Waterford, and three garden centres in the area, are taking part in the festival. Some of the great local houses taking part include Lismore Castle, Cappoquin House and Garden and Dromana House and Gardens and many more treasures dotted around the county.

Lord Burlington of Lismore Castle said at the launch of details of the Waterford Garden Festival today that it is only right that gardens traditionally enjoyed by their owners should now be open to the wider public. Lismore Castle Gardens are among the oldest cultivated gardens open to the public anywhere in the country. They have been open since Lord Burlington’s grandfather’s time.

“I feel very lucky. It is such a pleasure for me and my family when people come through our gates to see our gardens and our gallery. It astounds me sometimes when I learn how far people have travelled and we are delighted to share our gardens and gallery with so many people.

He added: “The Waterford Garden Trail Festival is a brilliant initiative. It opens our gardens up to visitors to this area and to the people on our doorstep who may never have ventured in. This is how it should be. Now that we are getting together as a group it raises awareness of the treasures we have here. The great joy for people who do visit the garden trail is that there are very different things to see in the different gardens in the different parts of the county,” Lord Burlington said.

While the key focus is on the county’s gardens, the Festival also includes lots for those with teeny tiny green fingers, including mock archaeological digs, bug hotel building, a family-focused photographic competition, nature walks, painting, a falconry display, bee-keeping workshops and more.

Through the Waterford Garden Festival the public will also be able to meet the garden owners, and learn of the dedication and commitment it takes to tend to such homes and their extensive grounds while picking up some great gardening tips at the same time, according to Garden Trail Festival Chairperson, Kristin Jameson.

The Festival and the Garden Trail were the brainchild Waterford County Council and together with the festival committee it has put together a programme from May 1st to 13th that includes gardens, homes and plants, history and heritage and lots more.

The festival’s diverse programme will include Patrick O’Hara doing a Botanical Drawing Workshop at Lismore Castle; Roy Lancaster, best known for his many appearances on BBC’s Gardeners World, doing a lecture in Dungarvan Town Theatre; Robin Waistell, who was trained by the great Constance Spry, for a flower arranging demonstration at Tourin House and the well known Dick Warner for a lecture at Salterbridge House & Gardens.

According to Kirstin there is a lot of interest in a very special nature walk along the riverbank and garden paths of Dromana House with RTE’s Eanna Ni Lamhna, and a painting workshop at Tourin House with artist Andrea Jameson.

One event which is bound to prove a big hit is a “Building a Bug Hotel” workshop by Mike and Ithel McKenna and their team at the Blackwater Garden Centre in Youghal. There will also be ‘Lights for a Barbecue’ workshops and a mock archaeological dig complete with hard hats and high vis jackets.

For the whole family there is an Open Day featuring stalls, music, face painting and guided tours, a falconry display and more at Ballyin Gardens on Sunday, May 6.

“We hope that lots of visitors to this county and many others who live here will join with us, enjoy the rich variety of flora and fauna species, all of which contribute to the uniqueness of the gardening attractions on the trail. Our trail has the potential to be a key economic driver in this region in tourism terms and we are very thankful to Waterford County Council for inspiring us to come together, form the trail and organise this Festival. I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of Waterford Leader Partnership who have been supporters of the project since the beginning.

“A number of the older gardens have been lovingly restored through the years, while the smaller ones are maturing beautifully with time. They’ll all be in pristine condition for the Festival. We do advise though that not all gardens on the Trail are suitable terrain for children, buggies or those with limited mobility and to check our website or consult with our members before you set out,” Ms Jameson said.

Speaking about the Garden Trail, Waterford County Manager Denis McCarthy commented that the trail is a wonderful addition to the suite of tourism products currently available in county Waterford. It s one of many initiatives that are currently being supported by Waterford County Council.

“Waterford County Council is delighted to be associated with this festival and I wish to congratulate the committee on organising such a niche event. The Waterford Garden Festival is a welcome addition to the Waterford Calendar of Festivals. The timing of the event is great for tourism providers as it will generate much welcome revenue in the shoulder season. The Council will continue to promote and support the local economy and local businesses and believes that the establishment of this event represents another important step forward in this county’s economic recovery.”

As the gardens and garden centres on the Trail are dispersed throughout the county, visitors will also have the opportunity to drive through some of the most spectacularly beautiful countryside – from the wild and rugged mountain ranges, which frame the county to the north, to the majestic and breathtaking coastline to the south.
Gardens on the Trail include:

· Abbey Road Garden in Ferrybank, a cottage-style garden filled with interesting and unusual Alpine and herbaceous plants, shrubs and mature trees http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/abbey-road-gardens/7342

· Ballyin Garden in Lismore, six acres which slope down to the river and feature lots of Montrey Cedar, one with the largest girth of any tree in county Waterford. http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/ballyin-gardens/76907

· Ballynatray Estate in Youghal, 850 acres featuring old noble trees and breathtaking views of the Blackwater. www.ballynatray.com

· Cappoquin House & Gardens, an 18th Century Georgian mansion and gardens featuring old arboretum rhododendrons, myrtles, schima, parotia as well as magnolias, camellias and azaleas. www.cappogquinnhouseandgardens.com

· Curraghmore Estate, a magnificent house and estate in the stunning valley o the Clodagh river with ancient oak woods and formal gardens. www.curraghmorehouse.ie

· Dromana House & Gardens near Cappoquin, a true gem perched on a rocky site overlooking the river Blackwater. www.dromanahouse.com

· Fairbrook House in Killmeaden which is surrounded by three acres including formal gardens, four lavender fields, special water features, a hidden garden with an old terracotta floor and loads more. www.fairbrook-house.com

· Lismore Castle Gardens, a stunning gem surrounded by seven acres featuring a wide variety of beautifully maintained plants and trees. www.lismorecastlegardens.com

· Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, seventy acres of intensively planted woodland gardens and a four acre walled garden which include over 3,000 different trees and shrubs; www.mountcongreve.com

· Salterbridge House & Gardens in Cappoquin. A Victorian house with gardens filled with many camellias, magnolias and beautiful rhododendron and green shrubs . www.salterbridge-houseandgarden.com

· Tourin House & Gardens in Cappoquin which extends over 5 acres to the banks of the river Blackwater. It features mature oak, beech, cedar, yew, pines and a fine collection of camellias, magnolias, rare shrubs and a walled garden with a collection of over 100 bearded Iris. www.tourin-house.ie

· Tramore House Gardens, a two and a half acre garden surrounding the elegant Victorian townhouse. Its renowned for its natural planting with formal, box edged old rose beds, woodlands and shrubbery. http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/tramore-house-gardens/7344

The three garden centres in clued the Blackwater Garden Centre in Youghal Bay, Orchardstown Garden Centre near Tramore and Easter Island Garden Centre in Waterford city.

Groups are most welcome to visit all members of the Waterford Garden Trail where they will enjoy guided tours of the houses open to the public and of the gardens- usually with the owner or head gardener as your guide. They may also choose to enjoy afternoon tea or light refreshments in such unrivalled settings.