The West of Ireland goes green fingered this week

The West of Ireland goes green fingered this week as the Galway Garden Festival opens at Claregalway Castle next weekend. One of the most celebrated gardening events in the area, and now in its sixth year, the Garden Festival showcases the very best rare and specialist plant traders from all over Ireland. Their stalls are packed to overflowing with a treasure trove of gems for your garden – don't forget to take your notebook as you'll want to write down all those must-have beauties you'll be discovering for the first time.

This year the packed programme of internationally renowned experts sharing their experience and advice includes the head gardener at Kylemore Abbey, Anja Gohlke, grow-your-own guru Kitty Scully, Dr Dilis Clare talking about hedgerow foraging for herbal medicines, and botanical artist Jane Stark. There's also a feast of live outdoor music, an archery display, crafts and great artisan food as well as a children's programme full of surprises including open air entertainers, all staged against the dramatic backdrop of the 600-year-old castle.

The Galway Garden Festival runs on July 4 and 5 from 11am to 6pm. For more details visit www.galwaygardenfestival.com.