Still Fabulous at 40
Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle is celebrating a milestone 40th Anniversary this spring
The Ireland of 1986 was certainly challenging, but the year had some memorable moments and positive milestone events: Knock Airport was officially opened, Lady in Red was topping the charts, Crocodile Dundee was entertaining us in the cinemas and a little field outside Boyle was being transformed into a garden centre.
Forty years ago this spring Ronan O’Conghaile took the brave decision to begin a garden centre between Boyle and Carrick on Shannon, calling it simply and now memorably, after the Ardcarne townland and parish where it is located. From humble beginnings, with just one member of staff, Ardcarne Garden Centre has grown and flourished to become one of Ireland’s leading garden centres and landscaping businesses, employing over 50 passionate team members.
Crowning the Customer
Indeed, guided by Ronan’s unwavering attention to customer care, Ardcarne Garden Centre has become synonymous with enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, a place where you’ll find happy plants and even happier people. Helping Ronan to steer Ardcarne Garden Centre on its successful journey have been Mary Frances Dwyer and her husband Paul, both employed from the very beginning and now the new owners of Ardcarne Garden Centre.
Mary Frances is keen to point out that ‘Sharing our passion for gardening to help customers achieve the very best from their own homes & gardens throughout the year, has always been part of our journey. We like nothing better than meeting new visitors, finding us for the first time, as well as welcoming back our many regulars, that are like part of the Ardcarne family. As one of the largest employers in the area, Ardcarne Garden Centre also plays an important role in the community, supporting local jobs and families and hopefully providing a place that can be enjoyed by everyone. We like to think that it is your garden centre as much as ours.’
A Growing Business
Following the success of the original Ardcarne Garden Centre near Boyle, a further branch in Roscommon Town was established in 1998, offering the same passionate level of customer care and a place to discover the best in all things gardening.
Since the early days an integral part of the business at Ardcarne Garden Centre has been a thriving and award-winning Landscape, Design and Maintenance department, managed by Paul Dwyer. A diverse range of private gardens and commercial projects have been brought to fruition by the team over the years including The Shed Distillery, The Sligo Park Hotel, The Ceide Fields Visitor Centre, Roscommon-Mayo Hospice and King House in Boyle.
Expanding horizons
As with many businesses, an online presence (ardcarne.ie) has become increasingly valuable for Ardcarne Garden Centre. With just a couple of clicks customers can find inspiring and topical gardening features and browse the exceptional range of top quality plants, gardening products and gifts, all of which can be delivered straight to their home, wherever they live in Ireland.
Of course, nothing is better than a visit to Ardcarne Garden Centre in person and visitors to the Boyle branch can also enjoy the warm & cosy Ardcarne Garden Café, offering delicious homemade food, excellent coffee and scrumptious cakes.
For the last few years the café has helped make Ardcarne Garden Centre a true destination venue, where you can enjoy time out with family and friends, share a wholesome lunch or chat over a coffee and treat (the homemade pear & almond scones are becoming legendary!), all in the beautiful flower filled surroundings.
To mark its special 40th anniversary, a full day of celebrations is taking place at Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle on Saturday 25th April. It promises to be a fun filled occasion with giveaways, amazing offers, live music and much more. Ardcarne Garden Centre may have started its journey during the uncertain times of the 1980’s, but like Knock Airport, it truly has become one of the area’s success stories and continues to soar to ever new heights.
