Innishannon puts its gardens in the frame

The second ‘Gardens and Galleries’ event featuring nine stunning gardens, art exhibitions, vintage displays and lots more, takes place over the first weekend in July

ALL roads lead to Innishannon next month for a blooming good weekend of gardening and art. 

The community had the novel idea of hosting ‘Gardens and Galleries’ in and around the village last summer.   

It was a first for Innishannon and indeed West Cork. And as is the case with any new venture its organisers had their moments of self doubt and wondered: Would people come?   Would they enjoy it? And as with any outdoor event in this country would the weather be kind? 

They needn’t have worried as the event enjoyed great weather, huge crowds, massive enjoyment and feel good factor. People were ferried around on mini buses provided by West Cork Rural Transport to enjoy all the splendor of the Bandon valley and countryside around Innishannon. 

Now this year they are hoping for a repeat success on the first weekend in July – Saturday and Sunday, July 1st and 2nd when they will host the second ‘Gardens and Galleries.’ 

In all nine gardens feature on the trail all of which can be enjoyed for a cover of €10. 

The start out point is the Parish Hall at the western end of the village where people can pick up a map and ticket. 

A large map will also adorn the front wall of the hall andwill have all venues clearly marked.  This will be manned by a well informed local who will give all the required directions and any advice needed. Cars can also be left at this spot. 

Alternatively, people can go under their own steam and follow their own map watching out for all the well positioned signage which impressed garden goers last year.

One of the highlights of the inaugural ‘Gardens and Galleries’ was the amazing gardens of Cor Castle which was hugely impressive and which will be open again this year. In fact lots of last year’s gems are back on the trail along with lots of new spots which will keep things fresh and varied for return fans.  

There are some wonderfully creative and innovative gardens on the trail and as gardening guru Charlie Wilkins always advises when visiting open gardens, there will be lots of ideas to inspire and borrow. 

In total there are nine gardens to browse, but for those who would prefer to just meander around the village there will be plenty to entertain along on the way.    Three village gardens will be open as well as three solo art exhibitions and two group exhibitions.  

One event last year which enthralled the crowds was the mini vintage display in Bernard’s forecourt where Mick and Charlie shared their vintage passions with other collectors. 

Vintage cars will once again be lined up along the street to capture the leisurely atmosphere of an earlier era. Some village windows will be decorated with historical artefacts and both churches will be a focal, floral point.  Jimmy McCarthy will again host his gramophone recital which last year was a trip down memory lane for many. 

The art exhibitions will have universal appeal.  In Woodside Mulberry Studio the paintings of Mary Nolan O’Brien will be on show; in the Found Out, Gillian Smith; in Rohus Country Market, Una Collins and in Innishannon Hotel,  Jerry Larkin.  The students of Jerry Larkin and Mary Nolan O’Brien will also be on view in the village.