Curious Gardens is a new series of one-day festivals of tunes, chats and laughs in the walled gardens of two historic houses, presented by Schweppe Curtis Nunn and Emperor’s Robes in partnership with the Office of Public Works.

From the people who bring you MindField, Trailer Park and Salty Dog at Electric Picnic come two brand new, day-long festivals in the historic walled gardens at Doneraile Estate, Cork (September 5th) and Emo Court, Laois (September 9th) celebrating Ireland's summer music.

The event's entertainment will include everything music, talks and comedy; a hamlet of interactive installations ranging from a Calcutta-style bus, to a forgotten circus, to an Alpine snow chalet, with great food and drinks, loads of picnic benches with room to roam and much more.

Doneraile Estate, Cork - Sunday, September 5th

Music in Cork will be brought by JYellowL, Dublin Gospel Choir, Jafaris, Interskalactic, Cooks But We’re Chefs and Steo Wall.

Words will feature An Irishman Abroad Podcast hosted by Jarlath Regan with special guest Hilary Rose (The Young Offenders); Colm O’Regan: Climate Worrier; Waterford Whispers News: Live with special guest Mary Ann; Elaine Feeney; Sinéad Gleeson; Lisa McInerney; Jennifer O'Connell; Martin Collins; Mairtín Mac an Bhaird; Oein De Bhairdúin; Marty Mulligan; Willzee Casey and David McDonagh.

Emo Court, Co. Laois - Thursday, September 9th

Music will be supplied by the brilliant Cathy Davey, HamsandwicH, Paddy Hanna, Camembert Quartet, Luna Boys, Sharyn Ward, Thomas McCarthy, Trish Reilly and Kathleen Marie Keenan.

Words will feature Joanne McNally in conversation with Séamas O’Reilly (Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?); Waterford Whispers News: Live with special guest Barry Murphy; History Ireland Hedge School on The Treaty; Manchán Magan & Rossa Ó Snodaigh; Paddy Cullivan presents the Murder of Michael Collins; Dearbhail McDonald; Ann Marie Quilligan and Mags Casey.

Interactive installations from Après Ski and Lord Ganesh’s Larder and The Forgotten Circus will also make an appearance in both Laois and Cork.

Curious Gardens was created in partnership with the Office of Public Works and is funded by the Live Performance Support Scheme 2021 of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Tickets for each event are priced at €39 per person in pods of 4 or 6. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A limited number of discounted family tickets (2 adults with up to 4 children under 12 for free) are available at €78.

For more information, visit curiousgardens.ie.

I am delighted to say that i was asked to help curate part of the programming for the wonderful and new @GardensCurious Festival events.
From day 1 they wanted more representation from Traveller artists and singers. Even @MBeoire is appearing.😊

Tickets: https://t.co/hh2K0Q6JFh pic.twitter.com/wDMP2tJN7J

— Martin (Beanz) Warde (@martinbeanz) August 20, 2021