The June long weekend is finally here, which can only mean one thing – Bord Bia Bloom is back for its 20th year! …
Whether learning about artist-inspired planting schemes, Feng Shui gardening tips, attending polytunnel talks or conversations about the revival of Irish textiles, join Ireland’s best garden designers, growers, food and drink producers, craftspeople and environmentalists in the Phoenix Park, Dublin from May 28 to June 1.
Gardener’s World: See 20 stunning Show Gardens celebrating flexible family layouts, lush balcony spaces and DIY-friendly designs, plus a celebrity dream garden inspired by Brendan Courtney. Explore ideas from communities across Ireland in the Postcard Gardens, summer planting in OPW’s Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, pretty floral displays in the Nursery Village and artistry in the Botanical Hub.
Green Fingers: Make a beeline for the Garden Stage where Diarmuid Gavin and BBC’s Adam Frost are among a host of designers and horticulturists sharing their vast knowledge over the weekend. You can also ask for personalised advice from garden designers, tree specialists and plantspeople in Bloom’s three ‘Ask the Expert’ clinics, with interactive workshops in the Botanical Hub Demo Space.
Feast: From the special ‘A Taste of Bloom’ three-course dining experience curated by chef Neven Maguire to over 100 of Ireland’s top producers in the Food Village and over 50 food trucks, you’re literally spoiled for choice. With over 40 cookery demos from top chefs including return favourite Donal Skehan and Eva Pau in her Bloom debut on the Dunnes Stores Quality Kitchen Stage to The Seafood Kitchen with chef Trisha Lewis, you’ll never need another recipe! We recommend finishing each day with a craft tipple in the Bloom Inn that features 30 Irish distilleries and breweries, or you can find non-alcoholic drink producers in the Food Hall.
Nurture: Discover practical tips for living more sustainably at Bloom’s Conservation Area and Sustainable Living Stage. Meet conservationists, naturalists and environmentalists, and listen to thought-provoking chats including how to change your shopping habits with Katrina Carroll, owner of popular vintage shop Preloved By Shay & Jo, in discussion with sustainability leader Pat Kane. We spoke to Katrina ahead of Bloom weekend for her expert advice on sustainability, plus we’re giving away a pair of tickets to Bloom to experience it for yourself.
Nourish: For the first time, an immersive new Meaghers 360º Wellness Village – to mark its 25th anniversary, which is a remarkable milestone – provides a holistic space within the Picnic Area to relax and restore with expert advice from Fabü founder and pharmacist Laura Dowling, Skingredients and The Skin Nerd founder Jennifer Rock, and many more. There’s also outdoor yoga and dance classes, in addition to a Health Hub and Wellness Check-In service where a range of tests – from blood pressure checks and carotenoid screening to scalp, pelvic floor and core analysis – will be carried out on the spot.
Family: Catch The Minions‘ new character Irene or Paddy Courtney’s popular Planting Patch in the Budding Bloomers Children’s Area. Kids can also watch Bubbling Botanicals with Scientific Sue, Bitesize Biodiversity or try willow weaving and other unusual activities in the DCCI Irish Craft Village. Two children under 16 can enter for free with each adult ticket, with additional child tickets priced at €5.
Shop: Pick up Butlers treats or award-winning pieces of art in the Botanical and Floral Art in Bloom exhibition. Browse jewellery, ceramics, woodcraft and much more from 65 of Ireland’s most talented makers in the DCCI Irish Craft Village. No trip is complete without a visit to the Plant Emporium where you can store your purchases at the Plant Crèche while you enjoy the festival hands-free.
