As the year 2023 comes to a close, SOLAS Garden Centre reflects upon a year filled with growth, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to providing a vibrant space for all.
From healthy living markets to new suppliers and exciting events, here’s a look back at the highlights of 2023 at SOLAS.
January: Healthy Living Market Kicks Off the Year
SOLAS Garden Centre started the year with a bang by hosting its first-ever Healthy Living Market. This event showcased various stalls promoting well-being, fitness, and an active lifestyle.
The success of this event set the tone for an exciting year ahead, with plans to continue offering events that nourish both the body and mind in 2024.
New Suppliers and Expanding Selection
In 2023, SOLAS Garden Centre welcomed several new suppliers, including Home Street Home.
Their range of garden decorations made from recycled oil drums and kitchen appliances added a unique and eco-friendly touch to SOLAS’ offerings.
This expansion of suppliers brought fresh and exciting products to the shelves, further enhancing the shopping experience.
Growing the SOLAS Team
The SOLAS team also experienced growth in 2023. In February, Brian Woods of Irish Collectibles opened his stall inside the main store, enriching the centre’s offerings with collectibles and unique items.
In November, Zoe Wardrop and her Eclectic range of wonderful antiques, jewellery, and furniture joined SOLAS, contributing to the center’s diverse product range.
A Year of Community Events
Throughout 2023, SOLAS Garden Centre became a hub for community events.
From the return of the Circus in February to grand St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the French Festival attended by the French Ambassador to Ireland, Vincent Guérend in July, SOLAS truly embraced the spirit of community and celebration.
Family-Friendly Initiatives
In May, SOLAS introduced a new outdoor playground, providing a space for children to burn off energy while parents relaxed in the outdoor heated food court.
The addition of a sensory room proved immensely popular with local schools, enhancing the garden centre’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Celebrating Four-Legged Friends
In June, SOLAS hosted its inaugural Scruff Dog Show, a delightful event in honour of our beloved four-legged companions.
The event drew crowds to the center, emphasizing SOLAS’ commitment to welcoming all members of the family, including pets.
Vintage Market Launch
July marked the launch of the Vintage Market at SOLAS Garden Centre. Stallholders offered an array of treasures, from old records and vintage clothes to furniture, bric-a-brac, jewellery, and old artifacts.
Vintage enthusiasts found a treasure trove of unique items to explore.
Educational Offerings
SOLAS continued to prioritize education, welcoming over 30 schools in 2023.
Transition Year students benefited from practical courses that included the fashion disaster course, business case study course, and various gardening-based courses. Learning and growth remained central to SOLAS’ mission.
Expansion and Staffing Changes
While SOLAS’ main shop became more intimate in 2023, it packed even more quality and charm into its smaller space.
Staffing additions, including Daniela Vacarus, who took the reins of SOLAS’ food court and catering department, transformed the culinary experience for customers.
Laois Taste Membership
In October, SOLAS became proud members of the Laois Taste community, highlighting their commitment to supporting local businesses.
Co-owner John Carey emphasized the importance of supporting small Laois businesses while providing customers with high-quality food products.
National Recognition
SOLAS Garden Centre received national recognition when Ireland AM’s Deric visited the center in November. A live broadcast from the vintage lounge with Georgina Carey, Solas Event Manager, showcased SOLAS’ commitment to creating memorable experiences.
In summary, 2023 was an eventful and transformative year for SOLAS Garden Centre.
From promoting health and well-being to fostering community engagement, supporting local businesses, and expanding educational offerings, SOLAS continues to be a dynamic and integral part of the Portarlington community.
As we look forward to 2024, Co-owner John Carey extends a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff and loyal customers who made 2023 a year to remember. Here’s to another exciting year ahead!
Upcoming events and opening hours
Shop Sale & Grotto
Our Shop sale ends December 24th at 2pm. Still time to pick up gifts and presents with discounts across many lines
Our Grotto still has places for Saturday December 22nd. Everything else is Sold out. You can book online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ireland–dublin/santa-experience-2023-at-solas/
Farmers’ Market Saturday – 11am–4pm
Our markets will continue throughout January and we look forward to some new additions coming in the spring of 2024
Craft Markets
Our craft markets will return in February 2024. If you wish to join our market you can email George events@thegardenshop.ie
Coming in January
Health and wellbeing event is returning in January. If you wish to take part or want to find out more contact George events@thegardenshop.ie
Opening Hours
- Sunday December 24th – Closed at 2pm
- 25th– 27th – Closed
- 1st January – Closed
Normal Hour resume January 2nd 2024.
Food @ SOLAS
Naughty or nice, this Christmas we all deserve a freshly baked homemade cookie, Vienese mince pie or a delicious Christmas pudding.
Pop in to our heated courtyard for full range of cakes, pastries and locally supplied coffee for Seccoto Portarlington.
And don’t forget to try our new pizzas, Carnivora or Pollo picante, both made with ION Oil’s organic Pizza and Pasta herbs.
Solas Heated Courtyard open daily Monday – Friday 10-4pm ad weekends 10-pm.
Plant of the Week – The Cornus. Commonly known as Dogwood
Lovely in smaller gardens or used as hedging, some varieties offer winter flowers or berries but most are grown for their striking colourful winter stems.
The latter require moist soil in a sunny location, whereas the others, more well-draining soil in a sheltered sunny position.
Cutting back hard in March will encourage coloured stems.
Product of the week – Cushendale Scarves & Blankets
Experience the warmth of natural wool in your home. Cushendale have the highest quality of bespoke textiles made from Irish wool, mohair & lambswool
In a range of designs textures colours and style
Surprise someone with a beautiful gift this Christmas, Pop in today & pick one up and get 20% off until Jan 9th
Our Sale event at SOLAS is running up until Dec 24th. So plenty of time to drop in and pick up that last gift. We have discounts on gift sets and hampers for food lovers.
Get 20% off kids tools, mens gift range, Cushendale Scarves & Blankets, Irish Handmade Soaps and more
SOLAS Weather Suitably mild weather is install to everyone who visits SOLAS this weekend. Temperatures are due to drop no lower than 7 degrees making conditions perfect for frequenting our markets and Santa grotto.
SEE ALSO – Check out the Solas Eco Garden website here
