Partytime gardens is a community space developed on land donated by a local businessman and philanthropist. He had been involved in the entertainment industry for decades and each year supported a range of charities and good causes. As he wound his business down he decided that he should create a lasting legacy that would be a place where communities could come together, where children who were disadvantaged or suffering from illness could come and have fun. Having worked in interface areas and seeing the terrible legacy of the Troubles he determined that what was built should promote reconciliation and build peace and a better future.

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Conservation and animal welfare had also been causes close to his heart and when a group of local community activists came together to turn this dream into reality the location which became the home for the garden shaped the outcome. It was a hidden glen near the banks of the River Bank, once part of the ancient forests which covered the country. It was an area rich in myth and legend where locals still spoke in hushed voices about the little folk – the fairies.

 

It was a special place and maybe that was because of the fairies or just because it was a place apart. The stillness and beauty which seemed to invite the noise and excitement is what it is all about. It soon took shape with local businesses and a team of volunteers laying paths through the trees, and building homes for the new animals that would make the woods their home. From the start it was a place of safety and sanctuary, so it is not surprise that in time it evolved into an animal rescue facility amongst other things.

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The animals that were cared for soon became stars of the show and almost without realising we became a community zoo. We are still not sure who benefits more from the interaction – the humans or the animals. The Garden continues to develop and change as new friends and new ideas shape what we do. Our vision is still clear and our passion as strong as it was when we began.

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So why not come and stay with us and instead of reading our story, join us and become part of the story.