A series of events are set to get under way in Co Carlow to celebrate the coming of spring and the arrival of the first snowdrops of the season.
Traditionally associated with hope and rebirth, the appearance of the plants' white and green blooms also marks the start of the annual gardening calendar.
Altamont Gardens in Tullow is home to Ireland’s largest public snowdrop collection and one of the most significant in Europe.
First established by former owner Corona North and developed by the OPW over the past two decades, the collection includes over 150 named varieties of the bulbous perennial plants spread across a 40-acre estate on the banks of the River Slaney. It combines formal, informal and wild garden spaces.
Altamont is one of a number of locations across Co Carlow where a programme of events, titled Snowdrop Time, will take place over the next number of weeks.
These events, which are spearheaded by Carlow Tourism, include garden openings, guided tours, specialist talks and family-friendly experiences.
The 15th Snowdrop Gala at Ballykealey House just outside Ballon will bring the series of events into bloom today with a number of talks by leading gardening experts and a guided tour of the nearby Altamont Gardens.
Snowdrop Time will also see events take place at Arboretum Inspirational Gardens in Leighlinbridge, Delta Sensory Gardens on the outskirts of Carlow Town, Huntington Castle in Clonegal, Burtown House near Athy, and Shankill Castle and Gardens near Paulstown on the Carlow/Kilkenny border.
Arboretum Inspirational Gardens, where thousands of snowdrops are said to awaken each year, is a family-friendly gardening destination, which includes a garden maze.
Visitors to the Delta Sensory Gardens are invited to explore "rare and beautiful" snowdrop varieties in an "environment designed to engage all five senses".
The grounds of the historic 17th century Huntington Castle, which opens every weekend from the end of January, feature snowdrops and early spring bulbs set among woodland walks, French lime avenues and a yew tree walk.
The gardens at Burtown House include snowdrops, aconites, hellebores, and other early spring bulbs amongst a collection of unique sculptures.
Meanwhile, Shankill Castle also features a range of early spring bulbs and a carpet of snowdrops.
A full list of the events scheduled to take place as part of Snowdrop Time and more information can be found on the Carlow Tourism website.
