Held each year in Dublin’s beautiful and iconic Phoenix Park, Bloom has grown into one of Ireland’s most loved lifestyle festivals, bringing together stunning show gardens, delicious food and drink, live entertainment, crafts, sustainability ideas and a genuine celebration of outdoor living.
For garden lovers, foodies and anyone who simply enjoys wandering around with an ice cream in one hand and a coffee in the other while admiring beautiful flowers, it is a glorious way to spend a day.
Organised by Bord Bia, the event showcases the very best of Irish horticulture, artisan food producers and garden design talent. It is not just about immaculate flowerbeds and perfectly trimmed lawns either. Bloom has become increasingly focused on sustainability, biodiversity and practical ideas that ordinary people can take home to their own gardens.
One of the highlights every year is the collection of spectacular show gardens. These creative spaces range from peaceful retreats filled with pollinator-friendly plants to bold contemporary designs featuring water features, sculptures and innovative planting schemes.
Many visitors leave inspired to transform a neglected corner of their own gardens, even if reality eventually amounts to buying a new plant pot and promising to mow the lawn more often, if they have a lawn, that is.
The food and drink side of Bloom is equally impressive. Visitors can explore artisan producers offering everything from handmade chocolates and farmhouse cheeses to craft drinks, preserves and freshly baked treats.
Cooking demonstrations by well-known chefs regularly draw large crowds, while the outdoor dining areas create a relaxed festival atmosphere that perfectly suits the early summer setting.
Bloom also appeals to families thanks to its live music, interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Children can discover nature trails, gardening workshops and wildlife displays, while adults often find themselves suddenly very interested in composting techniques and raised vegetable beds.
Additionally, the RTÉ Stage will provide entertainment throughout the festival, featuring a variety of its most-loved programming and live musical performances to keep attendees of all ages abuzz!
Perhaps one of the biggest strengths of Bord Bia Bloom is the mood. Unlike some large events that can feel rushed and overwhelming, Bloom manages to feel welcoming and leisurely. It encourages visitors to slow down, enjoy the surroundings and appreciate simple pleasures, fresh flowers, good food, warm weather and a beautifully kept park.
In a world dominated by screens and endless notifications, there is something wonderfully refreshing about spending a day surrounded by plants, creativity and people genuinely enjoying the outdoors.
For many visitors, Bloom is not simply a gardening show. It is a celebration of Irish summer living at its very best.
Laura Douglas, Head of Bloom and Brand Partnerships, Bord Bia told That's Food and Drink: “It's incredibly exciting to mark Bord Bia Bloom’s 20th year, and we have a brilliant programme planned.
" From cutting-edge garden design and polytunnel talks, to live cookery demonstrations, sustainable fashion tips, yoga classes and much more there truly is no other festival quite like Bloom.
We are well underway preparing our 70-acre site in the Phoenix Park to welcome visitors once again, and we encourage people to secure tickets in advance so they can fully soak up everything the Bloom bank holiday weekend has to offer.”
Bord Bia Bloom will take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin from Thursday, May 28th to Monday, June 1st from 9am-6pm each day. Head to bordbiabloom.com to book your tickets and start planning your visit.
Tickets are €35 per adult, €30 for concessions (plus booking fee). Up to two children aged 16 and under can enter for free with every adult ticket (additional child tickets €5 (plus booking fee)) making Bloom a great day out for all the family.
Bord Bia is the Irish Food Board https://www.bordbia.ie