Duke and Duchess of Leinster visit Jesuit-leased community garden
The Duke and Duchess of Leinster, Maurice and Fiona Fitzgerald, visited The Old Garden in Clane on Saturday 26 September 2026 during their visit to the area to mark the 850th anniversary of Maynooth.
The Duke, who has a keen interest in gardening, had expressed an interest in visiting the garden, which was established in 2024 on land near Clongowes Wood College leased from the Jesuits.
The garden was established to provide allotments for local residents, while also encouraging biodiversity, sustainable growing and community involvement.
The garden qualified for the Community Climate Action Grant last year, while local sponsors have also supported the development of its facilities. It now has its own well, solar panels and five polytunnels, with an eco-toilet due to be completed shortly.
Produce grown in the polytunnels is sold locally at market days held every two weeks, providing an opportunity for the community to buy vegetables grown on the site.
