Small Talk with Rachel Doyle of Arboretum Ireland
In this month’s Small Talk interview, Shauna Bernard talks to Rachel Doyle, executive chair of Arboretum Ireland, about her journey in horticulture, overcoming challenges, and the future of the industry
Print13 February 2025
In association with Tully Nurseries
At Growtrade, we’re running an interview series titled ‘Small Talk’, where we talk to various influential members of Ireland’s horticulture trade. This month’s conversation is with Rachel Doyle, executive chair, Arboretum Ireland.
How did you get your start in horticulture?
When I left secondary school many years ago, there was no career guidance available. I initially worked in an office, which, while interesting, wasn’t the right fit for me. At 22, I decided to go back to college and was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Department of Agriculture. This was a dream come true, as it allowed me to study commercial horticulture, including nurseries and everything related to trees and plants.
My studies covered fruit and vegetable production, including mushroom growing, protected crops, and plants cultivated in glasshouses and polytunnels.
As a mature student, I was highly focused on my studies. Since I couldn’t afford to travel home on weekends, I dedicated myself to my coursework and graduated with first-class honours – purely because I was determined to succeed.
While in college, I was engaged to my husband, Frank. After we got married, I started the Arboretum at the back of the bungalow we had built together. I had a dream, and I was determined to make it a reality.
Frank had a good job as a sales representative and was incredibly supportive of my vision. Our garage door up and over doubled as our potting shed, shop window, and storefront.
Three years later, when our first son, Fergal, was born, we realised the workload had become too much. Frank and I decided that he would leave his job and join me in the business. At that point, we knew this had to work.
Fast forward 46 years and four relocations, and we now employ 180 people across three centres:
- Arboretum Leighlinbridge
- Arboretum Kilquade, Co. Wicklow, which was recently revamped at a cost of €5 million
- Arboretum Urban Green in Dublin 1, a 1,400-square-foot space designed to bring greenery to the city, complete with a café located above Chapters Bookstore
In 2024, we were honoured to receive the Retailer of the Year award for sustainability.
What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?
One of my proudest moments has been seeing our two sons, Fergal and Barry, join the family business. Frank is now retired (sort of), while Fergal and Barry have taken on leadership roles as directors and shareholders. I currently serve as executive chair, Barry is chief executive officer, and Fergal is chief commercial officer.
Ensuring the successful succession of our business has been my greatest achievement. The process has clarified their roles and responsibilities with no ambiguity, strengthening their partnership.
Additionally, I fulfilled another lifelong dream – writing my book, My Tree of Life, which has been incredibly well received.
What has been one of the greatest challenges you have faced in your career?
In 2010, the construction of the M9 Motorway from the M7 at Kilcullen to Waterford bypassed our business completely. Our once-busy N9 route became a regional road, meaning that traffic from Dublin to Waterford and Kilkenny no longer passed our doors. As a result, many of our non-local customers struggled to find us, leading to a significant drop in trade.
The National Roads Authority (NRA) – now Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) – refused to allow us to put up any signage to direct customers to our location.
Adding to the problem was a uniquely Irish challenge: the pronunciation of Leighlinbridge (often pronounced Loughlinbridge), confused visitors even further.
Instead of downsizing, we decided to invest €2 million into improving Arboretum Carlow. That decision paid off, and we have continued to grow from strength to strength.
Can you give an example of a recent success in your work?
In 2014, we purchased the National Garden Exhibition Centre in Kilquade, Co. Wicklow. However, we faced many obstacles, including a battle with the NRA now Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), they removed a long-standing sign and refused to allow it to be reinstated. The site also contained unauthorized buildings and presented numerous unexpected challenges. As a result, we couldn’t open until 2015.
Fortunately, our local customers were incredibly supportive and delighted when the café reopened. Since then, the business has flourished.
In 2024, we received planning permission to revamp Arboretum Kilquade, which was officially opened by Taoiseach Simon Harris. Additionally, we were fortunate to acquire Hunter’s Moon, a property adjoining the garden centre, which made it possible to develop the site into what it is today.
What is the greatest challenge facing the industry today?
The biggest challenge is the shortage of skilled workers, including horticulturists, chefs, and general retail sales staff.
Unfortunately, horticulture is not widely promoted as a viable career option. I firmly believe that working with nature and the outdoors is incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade my career for anything.
As the saying goes: “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, that’s exactly how I feel.
What is the greatest opportunity facing the industry today?
We need to promote the career opportunities in horticulture to the younger generation.
I’ve seen firsthand how Transition Year students gain an appreciation for this field after working with us. Many have gone on to pursue careers in horticulture after being exposed to it through our business.
To support this, we need more practical courses, a variety of qualification levels, and the revival of apprenticeship programmes in horticulture.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in horticulture?
Gain as much experience as possible.
I have always prioritised self-improvement by taking up skilling courses, expanding my knowledge, and networking with like-minded people.
I also believe in giving back – join community groups like Tidy Towns. The rewards are invaluable, and you’ll gain far more than you give.
Horticulture isn’t just a job – it’s an incredible lifestyle.
What are your hopes for the future of Irish horticulture?
I hope that the government recognises the potential of Ireland’s climate for growing an incredible diversity of trees and plants.
With Climate Change, we must consider how this will impact the plants of the future and adapt accordingly.
Above all, we need to plant more trees. A single tree can convert enough CO₂ into oxygen to support a family of four.
Plant More Trees!
Arboretum Home & Garden Heaven is a family-run business that has earned its place as one of Ireland’s leading garden centres. With a deep passion for gardening, customer service, and a broad selection of high-quality products, Arboretum has built a reputation for excellence. Over the past two decades, their commitment to outstanding service has earned them numerous accolades, including being awarded Bord Bia’s first-ever Five Star Garden Centre and the prestigious National Retailer of the Year in 2021.
Small Talk is produced in association with Tully Nurseries, one of Ireland’s wholesale nurseries supplying landscape contractors, garden centres, DIYs and supermarkets in Ireland and the UK.
Fans 0
Followers