Although Mayo as a county is famous for its rugged coastline and untouched wilderness, there is a tradition of gardening that has most recently borne fruit in the form of the Clew Bay Garden Trail.
Ever tried to catch a glimpse over the hedge or high wall of a garden that promises to intrigue or delight? It turns out you’re not alone. Clew Bay Garden Trail offers exactly that: the chance to explore well-tended gardens by real enthusiasts.
For garden-lovers, there is nowhere like the garden and never enough hours in the day nor an end to the knowledge to be gained. The Clew Bay Garden Trail offers not only a much coveted insider’s view of select gardens, but a chance to bring your questions, thoughts and ideas to the gardeners themselves as well as sharing knowledge and enthusiasm with other visitors. The gardens on show are not necessarily manicured or sculpted, but often are rambling and wild-feeling, yet with an underlying order guiding the planting and tending.
The goal of the Clew Bay Gardening Trail is to raise money for various charities through opening up the gardens for viewing. With almost as many sponsors as participating gardens, the event is well run to ensure maximum fundraising possibilities while offering a special insight into the workings of established and diverse gardens.
Visitors get to see and inquire how gardeners manage this most seasonal of activities. And residents who are necessarily attuned to the vagaries of Mayo weather can share tips and wisdom.
The Clew Bay Garden Trail provides the perfect afternoon of tranquillity mixed with activity in settings of contained natural beauty in contrast to the the jaggedly beautiful coastline of South Mayo.