Fáilte Ireland today welcomed the news that the Irish Sky Garden designed by Diarmuid Gavin, has won gold at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. 

Seizing on the uniqueness and appeal of Dermot’s creation, the tourism authority had provided funding towards the development of the garden (through its sponsors Cork City Council). It is planned that the award-winning attraction will now act as a significant visitor magnet by becoming an annual summer attraction in Cork city centre.
  
This world’s first “flying garden” will soon relocate to an appropriate venue right in the heart of Cork. For three months every summer, visitors in Cork will be able to take trips on the garden’s central pavilion which will rise 30 metres into the air – providing great views of the city and around.

Welcoming the news of today’s win, Aidan Pender, Fáilte Ireland said -
“Fáilte Ireland believes this garden is a fantastic feature and will significantly boost Cork tourism - visitor numbers and revenue - this year.  I have no doubt that the new attraction will become a ‘must see’ on the holiday itineraries for all visitors to Cork and the south.

“Tourism is driven by iconic sights and memorable activities – think of the London Eye or the Eiffel Tower. This garden will give Cork city an icon of its own and place it on the maps of all those travelling through the region.”

In addition to the gold medal for Cork’s Flying Garden, there was another Irish success at the Chelsea Flower Show.  Houses, Castles and Gardens of Ireland, which is the principal marketing group for Gardens and Historic Houses around Ireland, were awarded a commendation by the Royal Horticultural Society for the high quality and presentation of their stand this year.  The stand, which is part funded by Fáilte Ireland, is representing almost 60 properties around the country providing information on all that is on offer throughout Ireland.
  
As a tourist attraction, gardens still prove popular. Over 1.3 million overseas visitors took in a trip to a garden while in Ireland in 2009 -   an increase of over 20% on 2008.  Almost half of these visitors came from Mainland Europe which has recorded steady growth for the gardens product in recent years.  In addition, one in five of our domestic holiday-makers visit a garden while on holiday.