Bloom 2022: Everything You Need to Know!

After two years celebrating at home, Ireland’s favourite flowers, food and family festival is back in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, from June 2^nd– 6^th! Whether you are a long-standing fan of Bord Bia Bloom or celebrating the festival for the first time, we want to give you the inside track on all things Bloom 2022!

What is Bord Bia Bloom?

Now in its 16th year, Bloom has become one of Ireland’s largest showcases celebrating the best of Irish horticulture, food and drink. Bloom is not just a great day out, but also offers a huge range of practical information on everything from gardening, to growing fruit and vegetables, cooking and culture.

What gardens are on display?

Show Gardens

The show gardens, which form the centre-piece of Bloom, are one of the event’s biggest attractions, not only as a source of inspiration, but also entertainment through imaginative story-telling and creative concepts. There’s huge excitement for the show gardens this year. Some of the concepts and designs have been sitting on people’s drawing boards since autumn 2019!

Postcard Gardens

Every year Bloom features a number of small but perfectly formed postcard gardens. They demonstrate that size doesn’t matter when it comes to wonderful outdoor spaces! These gardens are created by amateur gardeners from community groups, schools and training groups from around Ireland. These showpieces represent their club, locality or a special person from their area.

Dream Gardens

Easy Steps to Dream Gardens is a new initiative designed to help you plant your own show garden at home. Bord Bia has worked with seven Bloom award-winning show garden designers to create garden designs that are suited to a range of different aspects. Each garden design comes with an easy-to-follow planting plan and detailed planting list.

What food options are available?

Two on-site restaurants, the Country Crest Food Fayre and Farm Shop and Bistro Bloom will offer indoor and outdoor dining options. There will be a wide range of tasty food options from artisan food trucks located around the site. You can also sample and take home premium Irish-produced food and drinks from the many stalls in the Food Village.

If you fancy a refreshing break, the Bloom Inn will offer the finest craft brews and spirits from all over the country.

The Quality Kitchen demo stage will feature some of Ireland’s leading chefs. These include Neven Maguire, Rory O’Connell, Fiona Uyema, Catherine Fulvio, Edward Hayden, Gary O’Hanlon, Shane Smith, Mark Moriarty, JP McMahon and Brian McDermott. For the younger visitors Neven Maguire will host ‘Learn to Cook with Neven’ demonstrations for 8-14 year olds.

Can I shop at the event?

Yes, you can shop gardening, food and drink produce and crafts at Bloom. Nursery Village will showcase the very best plant nurseries in Ireland with a wide array of plants and flowers available to purchase.

Meanwhile, there will be over 160 retail exhibitors at Bloom this year including Weber BBQs, Fineline Furniture, Orchard Garden Centre, Shannonbridge Pottery and many more. You can also shop for everything you might need for your garden or outdoor area. Shop from exhibitors such as S & N Granite, Colm Warren Polydomes, Clane steel sheds, Bartlett Tree Experts.

You will also find an exciting selection of work from some of Ireland’s most creative designers and makers at the Irish Craft Village. This area is supported by Design & Craft Council Ireland. Stop by one of the craft demonstrations to experience the magic of seeing a skilled craftsperson transform raw materials into a finished design before your eyes.

Should I bring the whole family?

Yes, absolutely! With a vibrant mix of interactive, educational and most importantly FUN activities, you are sure to find something to entertain children of all ages at Bloom! With Scientific Sue, Children’s Books Ireland (CIB) and the Conservation Zone, Bloom is the ideal day out for families who want to develop their knowledge of horticulture, food, science, literature, imagination and play. Don’t forget, 2 children under 16 years can go free with every adult.

How can I get there?

There are so many ways to get to Bloom. Every effort has been made to help visitors choose sustainable ways to travel to the event. If you are traveling by public transport, you can take a number of Dublin Bus services to the park entrance. Or enjoy the buzz on board the free Bloom shuttle bus from Heuston Station.

Did you know that you can cycle right up to the event site? Once you arrive, you can lock your bike in our extended and secure cycle parks.

If you need to drive to Bloom you can park your car in Bloom Parking. Want to take away hassle of finding a parking space on the day? You can guarantee a Carpark space online now. So, all you just have to focus on is having a great day. You can book your parking ticket here.

For more information on how to get to the event click here.

Is Bord Bia Bloom accessible to everyone?

Yes, there will be disabled car parking in both car parks close to the entrances. Also, accompanying carers will be admitted free of charge. There will be wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses to the site from Heuston Station. The site will be tracked to help those with less mobility move around the festival and enjoy all it has to offer. For more information on accessibility click here.

What efforts have been made to improve sustainability at the event?

There are many sustainability initiatives running at Bloom 2022 so here are a few key points:

Bord Bia provide a shuttle bus service. They are providing a secure cycle parking to decrease the carbon footprint associated with travel to the event.
There is a ban on single use plastics at the festival with vendors using compostable containers, cans or glass bottles.
There is an increased number of water refill stations on the site this year.
A large proportion of Bloom signage is stored throughout the year and then reused to avoid waste.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available here. Bord Bia are advising those planning to attend the event to book early in order to secure tickets for preferred dates. Likewise, to avoid disappointment on the day.

To stay up to date with #BordBiaBloom2022 news. Sign up to the Bloom Ezine at bordbiabloom.com. Follow Bord Bia Bloom on social media – @BordBiaBloom on Twitter, Instagram , and  Facebook.