Events
Wild – The RHSI Russborough Garden Show
May 18
Grow Wild at this year’s Garden Show – Sunday, 18th May 10:00am to 4:00pm:
Featuring expert talks, plant stalls, garden tours, a lively dog show, family fun, and more. Let nature take the lead!
This year’s Garden Show invites you to “Grow Wild: Celebrate the Art of Returning to Nature.” At the heart of the event is our Speaker Stage, sponsored by Bord Bia, where some of Ireland’s leading voices in gardening and conservation will share their expertise, ideas, and inspiration.
Among them, June Blake will offer insights into her renowned garden, where she has cultivated a breathtaking collection of plants over the years. Danny Alvey, co-founder of ReWild Wicklow, will speak about his work in habitat restoration and the incredible success of this grassroots movement. Kitty Scully, a passionate advocate for organic growing, will bring her infectious enthusiasm for soil and sustainability. Rosie Maye, many of you know her as The Insomniac Gardener, has been gardening the three acres around her home near Slane and Paul Smyth, a plantsperson and modern-day plant hunter, will share stories of his expeditions and how they’ve influenced his approach to garden design. With a lineup of expert speakers sharing practical advice and fresh perspectives, this is an unmissable opportunity for anyone looking to embrace wilder, more sustainable gardening.
Beyond the speaker sessions, the show will be a vibrant celebration of nature, offering plenty to explore throughout the day. Visitors can browse plant stalls, pick up unique garden accessories, and enjoy a fantastic mix of food, refreshments, music, and entertainment. The RHSI will be selling plants, leading guided garden tours, and teaming up with experts from the Flower Farmers of Ireland to host flower arranging demonstrations, perfect for those looking to bring a touch of wild beauty into their homes.
This year also brings a fun new addition—a lively Dog Show in partnership with the KWWSPCA. Set in the walled garden, this dedicated space will feature lighthearted competitions like Waggiest Tail, Best Rescue Dog, and the Cutest Pooch Parade. The KWWSPCA team will also be on hand to share insights into their work and offer advice on responsible pet adoption.
For families seeking adventure, CP Adventure will be running archery sessions, adding an extra element of excitement to the day. Whether you’re here for the expert talks, the wild garden inspiration, or simply a great day out, the Garden Show 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of nature, sustainability, and the joy of gardening.
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‘Scratching the Surface’ is a joint exhibition by Isabelle Gaborit and Janet Mercer. Both artists live and work in the west of Ireland, are inspired by the landscape, its light, forms, and rugged textures, yet each produces their own personal response to this stimulus. They are both interested in the physicality of the landscape and the physical processes of making art and of their chosen media.
A diverse range of work is on show: encaustic paintings, drawings in charcoal, graphite and mixed media, monoprints and sculptures, all of which convey the physicality of the rugged, stony landscape and how its forms and textures are revealed by the light. The work of both artists evokes for the viewer the experience and feeling of being in the landscape, more than creating a pictorial representation or scenic view. The work is a reflection on permanence and change and the physical and emotional effects of being in the landscape.
Isabelle Gaborit
Janet Mercer
Saturday 15th March Lawless Dance Academy: The Lawless Dance Academy kick of Patrick’s weekend from 11 am with Irish dancing on the mall.
Saturday & Sunday 15th – 16th March Arklow Makers Craft Fair: The Arklow Makers Craft Fair returns over Patrick’s weekend.
Sunday 16th March Maguire Trad Band: Trad music will kick off from 1pm
Monday 17th March Pre-Parade Party: Drop in for the pre-parade party, with free face painting, treats, and more from 12 noon
Wicklow will play host to a series of events as part of this year’s National Tree Week, which kicks off on Sunday, March 9 and is adopting the theme: ‘Planting Trees, Growing Together’.
Led by the National Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Coillte, the annual celebration highlights the vital role of Ireland’s trees, forests, and woodlands in creating a greener, more sustainable future.
- 9th, 13th & 15th March 12:00pm – Tremendous Trees Tour, National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh. Free guided tour to hear our treemendous tree tales celebrating native species, historic champions and renowned exotics at Kilmacurragh. National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Kilmacurragh | Wicklow | Facebook
- 15th March 11:30am – Tree Week Walk, Knocksink Wood Nature Reserve. As Tree Week ends and Patrick’s Day approaches, join us at Knocksink for a story-filled stroll through some of our native Irish trees. Tree Week Walk – Natives of the Wood Tickets, Sat, Mar 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM | Eventbrite
- 16th March 10:30am – Guided Tree Walk, Vale of Clara Nature Reserve Book Online | Nature To Go Join us for a fascinating Guided Tree Walk as part of Tree Week Ireland 2025, where you’ll learn to identify native trees and deepen your connection with the natural world.
Rhododendron Week is back at Kilmacurragh from the 7th to the 13th of April 2025.
Rhododendron week is an annual event in the calendar at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Kilmacurragh, Co Wicklow. Kilmacurragh will showcase the highlights of the collection and explore the stories behind them. This year there are a series of events happening throughout the week.
There will be guided walking tours and video stories – ‘Rhododendron tales from the gardens’ featuring the staff at Kilmacurragh
For more information on Rhododendron Week in Kilmacurragh, follow on Facebook and Instagram. Alternatively, all other enquiries can be supplied by email at kilmacurraghgardens@opw.ie or by phone on (0404) 48844.
Bray’s Mermaid Arts Centre will once more be the festival hub for this year’s Bray Jazz Festival, presenting day-time matinees on both Saturday and Sunday, and playing host to double-bill presentations, each night.
Bray Jazz Festival will also be returning to Whale Theatre in Greystones with concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, and will stage early-evening small ensemble and solo expositions at Bray Town Hall, and present a lively programme of the very best of Irish jazz on The Harbour Stage at Bray’s Harbour Bar – where all shows are free to attend.
Free to attend also are other great live offerings on the festival’s jazz trail – which will bring music to bars and other venues across the seaside town.
This years lineup includes four-times Billboard Magazine musician of the year Vijay Iyer, Mercury Prize nominee Nubya Garcia, and celebrated Finnish trumpeter Vernari Pohjola.
Bray Jazz Festival will also welcome recent MOBO Award nominee and rising jazz star Amy Gadiaga, acclaimed young Belgian trombonist Nabou Claerhout, Scottish jazz fusion experimentalists Norman Wilmore and Corrie Dick, Japanese koto player Mieko Miyazaki, and South African pianist and Blue Note recording artist Nduduzo Makhathini, amongst others.
Irish artists are also well represented – with Bray neo-soul guitarist Zaska making a welcome return to the festival, internationally renowned award-winning vocal and guitar duo Christine Tobin and Phil Robson, and locally-based Grammy Award winning pianist Francesco Turrisi amongst those featuring.
For booking and more information contact the box office.
Bray’s much-anticipated St. Patrick’s Festival returns in 2025 five days of cultural celebrations, family-friendly events and entertainment.
From Friday, March 14th to Tuesday, March 18th.
The festival is jam-packed with events and activities for all ages and interests. You can enjoy the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Bray Parade, live music and dance performances. There will be thrilling rides at Bird’s Euroshow Funfair or delve into the magical realm of puppet shows.
For those seeking a relaxing experience, informative talks, a yoga session and free face painting will be available.
The St. Patrick’s Day Bray Parade will celebrate community spirit and cultural diversity.
Gather along the parade route and enjoy the amazing sights as 2,000 participants showcase their talents and creativity while flowing through the town in a spectacular fashion!
There will be a quiet zone along Seymour Road and a wheelchair-accessible viewing area adjacent to the viewing stand. Places are limited.
This year’s Parade’s Grand Marshal is Matt Keenan. Matt has profoundly impacted our community by spearheading an innovative initiative, likely the first of its kind worldwide, to establish a panel of local mental health first aid responders. He also hosts The Anxious Lad podcast. Consequently, he was honoured with the Bray Person of the Year award for 2024.
Road closures will be in place on Monday, March 17th, from 1 pm until after 3 pm to facilitate the Parade route. Roads affected include Main Street, Florence Road, Eglinton Road, Quinsboro Road, Seymour Road, Seapoint Road, Strand Road and surrounding junctions.
This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival has something for all the family. Take a look at the line-up:
From Friday, March 14th:
Bird’s EuroShow Funfair: opening on Friday at Bray Seafront March 14th at 2 pm, then daily from 11 am to 10 pm until Tuesday, March 18th.
Family Treasure Hunt: An exciting, self-guided experience throughout the festival, starting from the Town Hall. Access the questionnaire from March 14th.
Bray Goes Green: Witness iconic landmarks throughout Bray, such as the Town Hall, Civic Offices, and The Bandstand, illuminated in green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
There is some fantastic toe-tapping live music across the town’s numerous venues.
Friday, March 14th:
Arts & Crafts Workshops with White Doodle Art: Two creative sessions for children at Bray Chamber House! The first workshop starts at 3:30 pm and the second at 4:30 pm. See website for details.
Spring Awakening & Renewal Yoga Workshop: A free yoga and Ayurveda workshop to embrace fresh energy for the season. At Bray Chamber House from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
An Evening of Traditional Irish Music: Hosted by Bray Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann at The Little Flower Hall at 7 pm. Admission is free.
John Spillane Live at Mermaid Arts Centre: A performance by the renowned folk artist at 8 pm.
Saturday, March 15th:
Bray Vintage Car Display from 2 pm to 4 pm opposite the Bandstand.
Ireland on the Big Screen: Six Nations Rugby action on a large outdoor screen at the Bandstand, Ireland V Italy! Kick-off is at 2:15 pm.
Historical Walk & Talk: With Brian White of Bray Cualann Historical Society. The meeting point is the Bandstand at 3 pm.
Sharondipity at Mermaid Arts Centre: Sharon Mannion presents her solo show ‘SHARONDIPITY’ at 8 pm.
Sunday, March 16th:
McCormick Puppets Show: A delightful puppet performance at the Bandstand from 12pm.
Complimentary Children’s Face Painting: Opposite the Bandstand from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Hip Hop Dance-Off: At 1 pm at the Bandstand.
Open-Air Céilí: From 2 pm.
Discover Your Family Tree Genealogy Workshop: Brian White of Bray Cualann Historical Society workshop takes place at 3 pm.
Monday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Kicking off at 2 pm from the Town Hall, this spectacular parade will feature 2,000 participants celebrating community and culture.
Tuesday, March 18th:
Boomerang Brass Band Live at The Martello:
Enjoy Afternoon Tea while The Boomerang Bass Band plays timeless classics from 3 pm. Admission is free.
Wednesday, March 19th:
Bray Lions Club Charity Opera Gala at Mermaid Arts Centre: A night of operatic favourites performed by renowned artists.
- Arklow’s Parade will begin at 2pm from Mr Price, follow along the town’s Main Street, finishing up at the Courthouse. Arklow This Week – Arklow & District Chamber
- Aughrim’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start at 11:15am at Tinakilly Bridge.
- Blessington St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start at 12:00pm with Melo Bliss playing afterwards.
- Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will commence at 2pm, winding its way through the heart of Bray, offering a feast for the senses with music, dance, and colourful displays that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Bray’s St. Patrick’s Festival 2025: Five Days of Spectacular Celebrations – bray.ie
- Greystones’ St. Patricks Day Parade will get under way at 11am from the park & ride carpark and will go up the Main Street and end at the Marina Plaza.
- Rathdrum’s Parade Route will start from Avon-Motors at 12:00pm and proceed through Rathdrum Main Street and will continue past the viewing stand in the Market Square.
- The Wicklow Town Parade kicks off from Station Road at 3:15pm, following along Main Street making its way to Market Square. What’s on In Wicklow Town | Wicklow Town
- Carnew St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 12:30pm, making its way along the Main Street.
The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival returns from May 8–18, 2025, presenting its most ambitious program to date. Concerts will be hosted at a range of venues including Russborough House, St Mary’s Church, and the Tramway Theatre in Blessington, Co. Wicklow. The festival continues to champion education and outreach with school visits and events such as their eagerly awaited new family-friendly commission, Farmyard Carnival.
The festival opens on May 8 with a performance by violist Ruth Gibson and pianist Fiachra Garvey, featuring iconic works for viola and piano. The program includes the pioneering Wicklow composer Ina Boyle’s Phantasy alongside the mighty Clarke, Franck, and Kodály. Trio Isimsiz makes its Irish debut on May 9, offering Schubert’s beloved Piano Trio No. 1 and Beethoven’s Op. 70, No. 2, a groundbreaking exploration of instrumental expression.
On May 10, Rising Star Robert Finegan, a celebrated Irish saxophonist, headlines a lunchtime recital, Paris Chapters, blending poetry by Yeats, Wilde, and Joyce with Parisian music by Poulenc and Josephine Baker. The recital also features a new commission by Irish composer Gráinne Mulvey. That evening, United Strings of Europe will team up with juggling artists for a captivating “Spring Ascending” program of music and contemporary circus artistry.
The internationally acclaimed guitarist Sean Shibe performs on May 11, showcasing his artistic diversity with acoustic pieces by Bach and Fennessy, followed by electric guitar works by Reich and Monk. Later in the week, Cassiopeia Winds graces the stage on May 15, blending classical and modern works with a distinctive flair. Their program includes Guilfoyle’s jazz-inspired work and Trimble’s playful compositions.
On May 16, the renowned Quatuor Van Kuijk performs a Franco-German programme, culminating in Ravel’s string quartet masterpiece and Beethoven’s profound String Quartet No. 8. The Julian Bliss Septet on May 17 celebrates Hollywood’s music legacy with jazz-infused renditions of classics like As Time Goes By and Sing, Sing, Sing. Their lively program The Sound of Film – Music in Hollywood explores music from early silent films to Disney’s golden era.
One of the festival highlights, Farmyard Carnival, brings together poetry by award-winning poet Lucinda Jacob (winner of the 2023 Irish Children’s Book of the Year Award) and music by Paul Rissmann (British Composer Award recipient). Inspired by farm animals familiar to Irish and UK audiences, this commission aims to enrich the landscape of family-friendly repertoire and will have its world premiere in Wicklow. Artistic Director Fiachra Garvey describes the work as a “vital new addition to the currently very limited family friendly concert repertoire”.
The festival concludes on May 18 with GRAMMY-nominated ensemble VOCES8, who celebrate their 20th anniversary with a diverse a cappella program featuring Rachmaninov, Nat King Cole, and Enya. This grand finale highlights the group’s captivating vocal artistry and emotional connection with audiences.
The 2025 festival promises a rich tapestry of performances and innovative projects, celebrating both local and international talent while nurturing a deep cultural and artistic connection with the West Wicklow community.
To keep up to date with all festival news and activities, join our mailing list, or follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
Tickets (€10 – €42 +booking fee) for the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival’s concerts are now on sale from www.westwicklowfestival.com.
The West Wicklow Festival is funded by the Arts Council, Wicklow Arts Office and supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Apollo Foundation and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
