Glenamaddy Community Garden enjoying new Biodome
Open Day will celebrate the feel-good factor
A NEW Geodome will be showcased at the open day of Glenamaddy Community Garden being held this Sunday July 5.
Like so many places across the county, Glenamaddy was hit hard by Storm Éowyn in January 2025. Their community garden’s two polytunnels disappeared and with no insurance they were unable to replace them.
However, the group have fought back from adversity, fundraising and working hard to replace the polytunnels with a new circular geodome. It acts as a meeting area for the group and hosts various classes such as yoga throughout the year.
They’ve also been making improvements to their sensory garden, adding a pond, a bridge and a pergola. All have proved to be popular with the three different groups of people with disabilities who come and visit on a regular basis.
“The green fingers have been worn off us after the amount of work we have been putting in over the past year. These developments are testament to the work ethic of all our members, who contributed hugely to what we have created,” group member Bernie Connelly told The Tuam Herald.
“The storm and the damage it caused was a huge blow to everyone involved with the garden, but we have worked so hard to fight back and improve our facilities.”
Last year, their Open Day focused on raising funds for their geodome, but in 2026 it is about showcasing the benefits of joining their community led gardening group. They currently have 25 members but are always on the lookout for new faces.
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THE pergola has been a huge hit with visitors to the sensory garden.Image 2 of 4
SEEING the Glenmaddy Community Garden in bloom through the outdoor windows.Image 3 of 4
A VARIETY of produce is grown by the Glenmaaddy Community Garden group which meet every Saturday from 10:30am.Image 4 of 4
THE new bridge in the sensory garden has been widely welcomed.“We meet every Saturday morning from 10:30am to around 1pm. It’s a very all-inclusive group, the youngest is just four and the oldest is 81. They all love getting out in the fresh air doing some gardening,” added Bernie.
“It is very much a social outlet. We have a cup of tea and a chat. It’s the sort of group that can be very helpful to someone who might be feeling lonely. We would love to see more people attending our meetups as getting out in the fresh air is very helpful for your health.”
Free classes and demonstrations
This year’s Open Day takes places on Sunday from 11am to 4pm on their premises located on the outskirts of the village (Eircode F45 FK57). The family friendly event will include several free classes and demonstrations as well as a Craft Fair and live music.
It will include a sound bath, a form of meditation that revolves around copper bowls and gongs, a one-hour session of Tai Chi, an Asian cookery demonstration and a Dry Felt Craft class.
“There is no fee to come along to our open day, we just ask that you bring a few euros to buy something while you are here, as every cent we make will be invested directly back into the garden,” stated Bernie.
“We are delighted with what we have achieved to date, but we never want to stop improving our facilities. We have recently been allocated HSE National Lottery funding that will help us create more paths and make it more accessible to those with disabilities. That’s our next project,” she concluded.