OUR ROOTS
"Plants are our family business for the last 38 years"
Bernie Falvey
How it all began
In 1988, Dermot Kerins (Bernie’s uncle) who ran Fernhurst Nurseries on the outskirts of Kenmare town, was looking to expand his plant nursery to Tralee.
A keen gardener and plant enthusiast, Dermot specialised in introducing various heather varieties into Ireland. He opened Fernhurst Nurseries in 1989 and three years later sold the business to Bernie.
Renamed ‘Ballyseedy Garden Centre’ a new chapter had begun for the McDonnell family. After years of hard work and passion for the industry, a beautiful new shop was created in 2007 known to locals as the ‘Crystal Palace’.
Fast forward to 2020, and the next generation of the McDonnell family, Abigail, Nathan, Naomi, Ruth and Salome support with the running, development and vision of the business.
An award-winning garden centre & cafés
Established in 1992, Ballyseedy Home & Garden has remained focused on providing a best in class service. Our flagship store is nestled in the heart of Co. Kerry just a few minutes outside Tralee.
Ballyseedy is one of Munster’s most sophisticated home and lifestyle destinations that offer customers expert gardening advice, premium quality plants, and garden essentials.
Ballyseedy welcomes a spacious retail outlet for shopping and a seated indoor and outdoor café.
The Group also operate three additional cafés in partnership with Dairygold, located in Raheen, Co. Limerick and most recently, Midleton and Carrigaline in Co. Cork.
Ballyseedy are proud to have won many awards including best café in Kerry and Retail Excellence Top 100 Stores in Ireland.
‘Unsung Hero Cycle’ yearly cycle event
The Tour De Munster, Tom Crean ‘Unsung Hero Cycle’ and the family fun weekend is an annual event in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry Branch).
The cycle includes a 75km or 44km route that takes in some of the most scenic parts of Kerry. Camp, Dingle, Slea Head, Conor Pass and Inch Beach are all part of an amazing trip before finishing up at the Garden Centre.
Ballyseedy welcomes participants, friends, celebrities and of course customers for a huge family-fun afternoon with lots of games, music, and delicious food. All funds raised are directly donated to Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry).