Carlow College is proud to be associated with An Gairdin Beo, a community garden in the heart of Carlow town that was created by the people for the people. This two-acre garden is a social, eco-hub for the community where people meet to grow food, socialise, create, and just be at one with nature. The project was developed to bring diverse people and communities together through nature and food with the aim of  building a sustainable community.

Carlow College’s Lecturer Dr John McHugh is on the Board of Directors of An Gairdin Beo and through his involvement with the programme involves students on both our B.A in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) and our M.A. Leadership in Therapeutic Child and Social Care in many projects to assist with community development.

An Gairdin Beo runs many different events throughout the year including focused events for diverse communities to bring people of different nationalities together through food, art and music.