Bord Bia Bloom: Everything you need to know

Ellen O'Donoghue

The annual Bord Bia Bloom festival returns to Dublin's Phoenix Park from Thursday, May 29th, until Monday, June 2nd.

The festival is open from 9am until 6pm each day, but with gardens, food, and more than 300 live performances over five days, it can be easy to become overwhelmed when choosing what to see and do.

Fear not, though, keep reading to find out what you need to know to help your day run as smoothly as possible.

Can I still get tickets?

Some tickets will be available at the gate, but the festival cannot guarantee that tickets will be available on popular days, and therefore, they recommend booking in advance.

Tickets are valid for one day only, so ensure you select the correct date when purchasing, as tickets are not transferable.

Adult tickets cost €30, while concession tickets - that is, for those over 66 years of age and those with a valid student ID - cost €25. Up to two free children 16 years and younger are included in the cost of each Adult ticket, while additional child tickets cost €5.

You can purchase tickets here.

How do I get there?

Visitors are encouraged to take public transport to the festival if possible. A regular, free shuttle bus is available to take visitors from Parkgate Street, next to the Luas Red Line and Heuston Station, to the festival’s entrance on Chesterfield Avenue. 

However, here is a detailed explainer on how to get there:

By foot

Bloom is located in the centre of the Phoenix Park and is easily accessible on foot.

It takes approximately 45 minutes to walk from the Parkgate Street Gate to the front entrance (Chesterfield Avenue) and approximately 10 minutes from the Ashtown or Cabra Gates to the rear entrance (North Road).

The walk from the Castleknock Gate takes approximately 25 minutes.

By bike

It is possible to cycle right up to the Bloom entrances, where cyclists can park and lock their bikes in cycle parks.

By shuttle

A free shuttle bus service operates from Parkgate Street to Bloom and back from 7am to 7pm daily. Drop off will be at a specially designated Bloom stop on Chesterfield Avenue. 

There is an increased number of free shuttles each day, and the festival also has a new dedicated route for shuttles to get you to Bloom faster. If you are travelling by train, it is advised that visitors leave Bloom 90 minutes before their train departure time to allow ample time to get to Heuston Station.

By train/Luas

The free shuttle bus departs from Parkgate Street in Dublin 8, which is a five-minute walk from Heuston Station.

If travelling by Dart or Intercity train into Connolly Station or by bus into Busáras, board the Luas Red Line at the stops outside the stations and alight at Heuston.

The Luas Green Line terminates at Broombridge Train Station, which is a 40-minute walk to Bloom.

If getting the commuter line to Ashtown station, the festival is approximately a 20-minute walk from there.

By bus

The 99 bus route is the easiest bus to avail of, with Stop 8210 (Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park) just a 10-minute walk from the festival.

You can also take a public bus to the festival via routes 11, 26, 38b, 39, 70, 99, C5, C6, which stop on the Navan Road, and walk around 15 minutes to the show (rear entrance).

Private coaches can park in the Papal Cross car park in the Park.

By car

Traffic from the city centre can use Cabra Gate via Blackhorse Avenue, the Main Gate to the Phoenix Park (Parkgate Street) and the NCR Gate. Traffic from the north city and the M50 can use the Castleknock Gate, Ashtown Gate, Knockmaroon Gate, and Chapelizod Gate (From N4 via North Circular) are all available.

Once you enter the Phoenix Park, follow the signs for the nearest car park.

Parking at Bloom costs €10 per day. Parking passes can be purchased via Ticketmaster when purchasing your entry ticket. 

Car parking for people with disabilities is available beside the entrance of each car park. Ensure your Blue Badge is displayed in a visible position to ensure on-site stewards can direct you to the dedicated parking areas.

What traffic restrictions will be in place?

The Visitor Centre and Playground at Phoenix Park is not accessible to the public from 4pm on Tuesday, May 27th until Thursday, June 5th, other than for visitors to the Bloom event taking place from May 29th until June 2nd.

The Dublin Bus No 99 terminus bus stop at the Visitor Centre Car Park will be temporarily relocated to Chesterfield Avenue from Monday, May 26th, until Sunday, June 8th. The stop will be located at the junction of Chesterfield Avenue and Furze Road.

What is there to do?

Well, if we were to include everything there is to do at Bloom over the weekend, by the time we finish writing, the festival would be over.

Instead, here are 10 fun things that attendees can see and do at Bord Bia Bloom this year.

Regardless, though, feel free to do your own research when planning and see what would suit you best.

Show Gardens

The Show Gardens are a big one. The 21 Show Gardens at the heart and soul of Bord Bia Bloom will be a hive of activity over the five days of the festival. Look out also for the Postcard Gardens, sponsored by Tirlán CountryLife, which are built in one day by community groups and schools from across Ireland.

Learn how to design and grow your garden

Head to the Garden Stage, sponsored by Zarbee's, where TV presenters Diarmuid Gavin and Adam Frost of BBC's Gardeners' World will be headlining a programme of expert talks and demonstrations.

You can also ask for special advice in the Ask the Expert Plant, Tree and Garden Design Clinics, which are brought to Bloom by The Irish Garden magazine, Crann – Trees for Ireland, and the Garden & Landscape Designers Association.

Taste plenty of Irish food and drink

The Food Hall within Bloom's Food Village features more than 100 of Ireland's artisan producers. From chocolates to cheese, and oysters to teas, there is plenty to tantalise tastebuds.

While there, you can pop over to Bloom Inn, where some of the country's craft brewers and distillers will be gathered, a great place to take a break, enjoy a tipple and soak up the buzz of the festival.

Watch chefs and culinary stars in action

Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Aishling Moore and Catherine Fulvio are among a collection of culinary stars taking to the Dunnes Stores Quality Kitchen Stage this year. With 30 live demos planned for the weekend, this is a must-see for anyone who loves to cook.

Fans of seafood can also check out Bloom's new Seafood Kitchen, where chef Trisha Lewis will be hosting three demos each day.

Gardening, floral art and craft demos and workshops

There are 300 talks, demos, performances and workshops taking place across Bloom weekend, giving attendees ample opportunity to grow, taste and learn at this year's festival.

Learn how to care for houseplants or make a floral crown in the Botanical Hub Demo Space; discover fascinating facts and enjoy the simulators at the Horticulture is Life area; find out how to grow abundant kitchen gardens in the Eat Well Garden; enjoy farming demos at the Agri Aware Farm; and see some of Ireland’s master craftspeople demonstrate their skills in the Design & Craft Council Ireland (DCCI) Irish Craft Village.

Gather sustainability advice

If you are eager to learn about how to play your part in protecting the environment, head for the Conservation Area where you can chat with leading conservationalists and environmentalists.

There, you will also find the Sustainable Living Stage, sponsored by Certa, which will host a programme of talks on a wide range of topics, from the circular economy and renewable energy to gardening with fewer chemicals and sustainable fashion advice.

Enjoy 'A Taste of Bloom'

‘A Taste of Bloom, curated by Neven’ features a three-course menu which has been designed by the MacNean House chef-proprietor to showcase some of the very best ingredients from quality Irish producers. The special ‘Taste of Bloom’ package is available on Ticketmaster priced at €79 per person, which includes entry to the festival and a 3-course lunch.

For more dining options, head to The Seafood Terrace, Country Crest Restaurant, or choose from more than 60 food trucks who are serving a wide variety of cuisines in the Picnic Area, Food Village, and Bloom’s dedicated grill zone, BBQ Bliss, sponsored by Ninja Woodfire. All indoor restaurants onsite cater for all food specialties and requirements.

You can find more information about food experiences at Bord Bia Bloom here.

Soak up the sounds of summer

There is no shortage of musical entertainment planned for the Bloom weekend. Head to the Entertainment Stage to watch an eclectic collection of artists perform, and make sure to stop by RTÉ’s outdoor broadcast area to see your favourite presenters broadcast live, including Louise Duffy, Derek Mooney, Philip Boucher-Hayes, Marty Whelan, Simon Delaney and more.

Indulge in some retail therapy

From food to fashion and plants to paintings, there is something to tempt everyone at Bloom.

For plants, visit the Nursery Village, in association with Elite Garden Products and The Plant Emporium, in association with Arboretum Garden Centres, Kildare Growers Association and Bord Bia. If you buy too many to carry, don't worry, you can store them in the Plant Crèche, sponsored by Certa Renewables, until it’s time to go home.

Have fun with your Budding Bloomers

And last but not least, visit the Budding Bloomers Children’s Area for face painting, crafting, and a rip-roaring line-up of enthralling performances from some of Ireland’s favourite children’s entertainers on the Budding Bloomers Stage, sponsored by Rollercoaster.ie.

Elsewhere in the festival, children can visit the Phoenix Park Playground, the Agri Aware Farm, and get their hands dirty in the Westland Horticulture Potting Shed. Remember, two children aged 16 and under can enter for free with every adult ticket.

Can I bring my dog?

No dogs except for Guide/Assistant Dogs are permitted at Bord Bia Bloom, so best leave the pooch at home this time.

Is there WiFi?

There are Wi-Fi Hotspots located across the showgrounds.

What about water?

There will be free waterpoints for water bottle refills located at the entrances to the event, the showgardens, the Budding Bloomers area, the picnic area and in the Food Village, so you can continue to hydrate with your reusable water bottle for free throughout the day.

Can I leave and re-enter?

If you need to leave the event at some stage and intend on returning the same day, ask the gate stewards to stamp your hand on departure. Without this stamp, you may not regain access to the event free of charge.

What if I need medical attention?

There will be a First Aid Centre located beside the Organisers & Garda Offices at the centre of the Show. This is marked on all floorplans.

Are there baby changing and feeding facilities?

Yes, they are located beside the Budding Bloomers area near the Green Car Park entrance, and to the left of the Quality Kitchen Stage in The Food Village.