Since its inception over 34 year ago, Skibbereen Garden Centre has flourished into a destination for plant lovers, families, and the wider community. Owned and operated by the Lee family for generations, the centre reflects a rich legacy of horticultural expertise, commitment to sustainability, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The quaint log cabin that the business was housed in during its early years will be remembered fondly by many customers. In time this cabin has been replaced, with the business expanding into the impressive space it is today, now spanning half an acre with an impressive 600 square metres of covered sales area.
Drawn to working with his hands and being outdoors, Mark Lee left school early to set up his own landscaping business before joining his parents at the garden centre full-time nine years ago. As experienced landscapers and plantsmen, Mark and Charlie are always on hand with members of their highly skilled and trained staff to offer advice on everything from garden layout to planting.
The garden centre prides itself on its high-quality plants and unique selection. From perennials to hedging and trees, Skibbereen Garden Centre offers varieties tailored to Irish gardens of all sizes. Bareroot deliveries are now arriving and winter pots and window boxes are being filled. A selection of plants for Christmas colour, including Helleborus, cyclamen, heathers, skimmia, winter pansy and violas are in stock. There is also an impressive array of houseplants, pots of all shapes and sizes and garden tools and accessories – lots of gift ideas for the gardener in your life! Skibbereen Garden Centre caters to sustainable gardening practices, reusing materials wherever possible and minimising plastic use. Beyond the garden, the centre boasts a carefully curated range of pet supplies, that includes dog food, cat food, small animal food, wild bird food, treats and toys and even a dog grooming salon.
Today Skibbereen Garden is very much at the heart of the local community. The Lees are dedicated to giving back, hosting seasonal events like Easter egg hunts, Halloween trails, and visits with Santa, all supporting local charities. In recent years, their festive efforts have benefitted causes like Make-A-Wish, West Cork Animal Welfare, the Irish Community Air Ambulance and West Cork Down Syndrome. This year their chosen charity is West Cork Cancer Connect.
As well as working with Tidy Towns groups, Mark also visits local schools to share his expertise, teaching children about gardening and sustainability.
Families are drawn to Skibbereen Garden Centre, not just for its offerings, but for the unique experience it provides. There is ample accessible parking space and The Potting Shed Café offers an inviting spot nestled among the plants. The café offers a cozy seating area where visitors can enjoy a special blend from Badger and Dodo coffee and freshly baked treats from Eoghan’s ‘Busy Bakery’ including scones, toasties, sausage rolls and mince pies in the run up to Christmas.
Mark has handcrafted wooden sit-on toys, including a train and digger, that captivate younger visitors meaning parents can relax and shop while children play happily, making it an ideal destination for a family outing.
As the festive season approaches, the Lees are preparing for their annual Christmas tree sale, complete with rooted and cut varieties, alongside a magical Santa experience, the North Pole Express. There will also be the opportunity to have lunch with Santa this year.
With its blend of tradition, quality, and family-friendly charm, Skibbereen Garden Centre has become more than just a place to buy plants – it’s a community hub. Whether you’re seeking gardening advice, a unique gift, or simply a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while your children play, the garden centre offers something special for everyone.
Skibbereen Garden Centre is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30-5.30pm.
For more information and updates, visit their Facebook page.
