A festival of friendship, food and fronds!
Whether you’re just setting out as a gardener or are an expert horticulturist, there is something new for everyone to discover at the Kells Bay House and Gardens Southern Symposium. This year we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary of bringing horticultural expert speakers and gardening enthusiasts together to enjoy a weekend of fun, great food and conversations on everything from fronds to contemporary garden design.
About the Symposium
Held over three days in October, the Symposium is a highlight in the Irish horticultural calendar, with gardeners and expert speakers coming together to enjoy great talks, wonderful food and all in the stunning surrounds of Kells Bay House and Gardens.
Meet the Speakers
This year we’ve a wealth of Irish and international speakers. Keep an eye out as we add to the list, but here is a taste of who’ll be bringing their passion and knowledge to Kells Bay:
Sue Milliken and Kelly Dobson, Far Reaches Farm, USA
If you’re looking for passion for plants, look no further than Sue and Kelly from Far Reaches Farm in Washington State. Their rare plant nursery prides itself on making extraordinary plants available to all.
Liat and Oliver Schurmann, Mount Venus Nursery, Dublin
Liat and Oliver give valuable insights based on their years as talented and award-winning garden designers.
Sir Tim Smit, Founder of the Eden Project, England
Tim Smit is well known for being co-founder of the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project. A highly entertaining and interesting speaker.
Raf Lenarts, Botanic Treasures, Belgium
Take a glimpse into the world of rare magnolias with Raf, who’ll tell you all there is to know on cultivating their beauty.
Symposium Schedule
Friday 3rd – Gardens and Plant Centre open to delegates until dusk. Early evening guided tour of Gardens and Symposium Supper followed by Guest Speaker.
Saturday 4th – Delegates meet up for morning coffee, followed by a day of speakers, lunch from our authentic Thai restaurant, Q&A sessions and guided walks with speakers and guests.
Sunday 5th – A morning filled with networking coffees, talks and Q&As with expert speakers and casual lunch, before formal sessions conclude and guests are free to wander the Gardens and Plant Centre.
Ticket Information
A weekend ticket to the Southern Symposium costs €175. This includes all the talks, dinner on Friday night, light refreshments throughout the weekend and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday.
There are a limited number of day tickets available for Friday 3rd and Sunday 5th, priced at €55 per day.
Book Your Symposium Ticket Online Here
Celebrating Ten Years of the Symposium
If you want to find out a little more about the Symposium and its background download our Brief History of the Southern Symposium.
Contact:
066 947 7975
billy@kellsbay.ie
Address:
Kells, Cahersiveen,
Co. Kerry, V23 EP48
© 2025 Kells Bay. All rights reserved.
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