Bloom Festival
Ireland’s largest gardening and food show in Phoenix Park, Dublin
Bloom Festival is a five-day gardening and food event held each year in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Organised by An Bord Bia since 2007, it features show gardens, artisan food markets, and culinary displays, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually.
- Held every summer in Phoenix Park, Dublin since 2007
- Ireland’s largest gardening and food event
- Features show gardens, artisan food, and chef demonstrations
- Attracts up to 120,000 visitors in recent years
- Organised by An Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board
What is Bloom Festival?
Bloom Festival is a large annual gardening and food show held over five days in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Visitors can explore show gardens designed by professionals, browse artisan food markets, and watch culinary demonstrations by well-known chefs. The event covers about 10 acres and attracts tens of thousands of people each year. It is Ireland’s biggest event of its kind, bringing together gardening enthusiasts, families, and food lovers.
The history of Bloom Festival
The festival began in 2007 as Bloom in the Park, launched by An Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board. The first event was opened by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. Since then, it has grown steadily in size and popularity, with attendance rising from 60,000 in 2010 to nearly 120,000 in 2019. The event was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, Bloom has become a major fixture in Ireland’s gardening and food calendar.
What there is to see
Each year, Bloom Festival features professionally designed gardens, an artisan food market, and cooking displays. Garden designers and horticulturists create themed gardens across the park’s grounds. Food producers offer tastings and sell their products, while chefs give live demonstrations. The event is organised by An Bord Bia and involves months of planning and setup before opening to the public in early June.
When to go
Bloom Festival is held every summer, usually in June, and is open to the public for five days. It is attended by gardening professionals, families, and visitors interested in plants, landscaping, and food. The festival is a place to see new garden designs, learn from experts, and enjoy Irish food culture. It also serves as a showcase for local producers and garden designers.
Parts and collections
Each year’s festival features new show gardens, changing themes, and different guest chefs and judges. Past events have included international guests, such as judges from other major flower shows and notable public figures. The number and style of gardens, as well as the focus of culinary displays, vary from year to year.
Why Bloom Festival matters
Bloom Festival is a highlight of Ireland’s gardening and food scene. It is supported by the President of Ireland and draws attention from media and the public. The event encourages the use of public transport due to high visitor numbers. It has become a tradition for many families and gardening enthusiasts, and is seen as a celebration of Irish horticulture and food.
Questions people ask about Bloom Festival
Where is Bloom Festival held?
Bloom Festival takes place each year in Phoenix Park, which is located in Dublin, Ireland. The event covers about 10 acres of the park and is easily accessible from the city.
When does Bloom Festival happen?
The festival is held annually in early June. It runs for five days, welcoming visitors to enjoy gardens, food markets, and demonstrations during the start of the Irish summer.
What can visitors see and do at Bloom Festival?
Visitors can explore professionally designed show gardens, browse artisan food stalls, and watch cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. The event also offers activities for families and gardening enthusiasts.
Who organises Bloom Festival?
Bloom Festival is organised by An Bord Bia, also known as the Food Board of Ireland. The event has been running since 2007 and is supported by the President of Ireland.
How many people attend Bloom Festival?
Attendance has grown over the years, with visitor numbers rising from about 60,000 in 2010 to nearly 120,000 in 2019, making it Ireland’s largest gardening and food event.
Good reading and sources
- Bloom Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Bloom Festival", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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