Bloom in the Park

I don’t think there’s really a day goes past without me missing Ireland.  I miss our lovely house and our wonderful garden, our friends, our neighbours, even our chickens.

I also miss being able to go to Dublin, the wondrous, fabulous city that it is, for museums, restaurants, or just a quiet bimble along the banks of the Liffey.

I’m especially gutted at the moment, because I’m going to miss Bloom in the Park.  For five days across the June Bank holiday, the 70 acres of Dublin’s Phoenix Park is transformed into a colourful wonderland.  Bloom in the Park is like the Irish equivalent of the Chelsea Flower Show, but it’s not just about flowers – there’s tons for foodies too.

The Food Market is one of the biggest attractions at  Bloom and this year’s Food Market will be Bloom’s biggest yet.  With over 40 artisan food producers, the market highlights the very best that small artisan producers from around Ireland have to offer.  The market has everything from handmade chocolates and baked goods to farmhouse cheeses and the finest Irish honey.

Even better (or worse for me), each day, my lovely mates at the Irish Food Board, Bord Bia will be hosting four live demonstrations on the Bloom cookery stage.  Featured chefs will include award winning chef Neven Maguire, the amazing Darina Allen from Ballymaloe Cookery School and fellow foodie blogger and author of  Good Mood Food, the gorgeous Donal Skehan (I’m sobbing now)…

To add insult to injury for those of us not able to make it, there’ll be fab demonstrations of  ‘forgotten’ food skills from Ireland’s past: cheese making, butter churning, apple pressing and fish smoking.

If you’re based in Ireland or lucky enough to be visiting over the bank holiday, tickets are on sale on www.bloominthepark.com or by calling 0818 300 260.  No booking fee applies and kids go free.

Bloom 2010 will run from Thursday June 3rd – Monday June 7th.  It’s just not bloody fair.

16 Responses to “Bloom in the Park”

1. Crystal Jigsaw says:

   May 7, 2010 at 3:40 pm

   Those cupcakes look delish and the bloom in the park sounds like a wonderful event.

   CJ xx
   • English Mum says:

     May 7, 2010 at 4:29 pm

     Hey CJ! Yeah, I’d love to go… Still, I’m going to the Festival of Food at Earls Court tomorrow, which I’m looking forward to… x
2. Tamsin says:

   May 7, 2010 at 4:14 pm

   I love, love, love Dublin too. Unfortunately I’ve not been for years Pheonix park is gorgeous, going to put it on my to do list. Visit Dublin during bloom in the park!! X
   • English Mum says:

     May 7, 2010 at 4:29 pm

     I agree, it’s just such a lovely place. Maybe next year eh? x
3. wee jen says:

   May 7, 2010 at 4:31 pm

   I kicked myself for not making it along last year – and heard such good things about it from all who went. Deadly jealous, I was Definitely going this time around! Cheers for the heads-up
   • English Mum says:

     May 8, 2010 at 9:02 am

     Ooh take loads of pics and tell us all about it! x
4. Baino says:

   May 7, 2010 at 9:29 pm

   That’s it. I know the kids are supposed to do stuff for Mother’s day but I’m making cup cakes! I’m glad they’re maintaining some of these old skills, these days, kids think that cheese comes in plastic wrap from the supermarket.
   • English Mum says:

     May 8, 2010 at 9:03 am

     Exactly. Ireland are fab at preserving their heritage. Would have loved to have seen those demonstrations
5. moon says:

   May 8, 2010 at 7:55 am

   But …. it does show that you had a great time, and it would be sadder if you didn’t miss anything .. think of it as a positive …
   • English Mum says:

     May 8, 2010 at 9:04 am

     That’s true, Moon. Any reminder of the place gives me a real ache for the place. I’ll be back soon,I’m sure x
6. Littlemummy says:

   May 8, 2010 at 9:03 am

   Looks great, we’ve been meaning to go to Taste for the last two years, hopefully we’ll get there this year.
7. English Mum says:

   May 8, 2010 at 9:04 am

   I’d love to go to Taste as well. We’re off to the Real Food Festival today, though – can’t wait! x
8. Belgravia Wife says:

   May 8, 2010 at 1:08 pm

   Hi English Mum – thanks for this – my oldest was born on St Patrick’s Day – we’ve been to Dublin a few times – he was too tiny & doesn’t remember !! Any opportunity to go back I love it, one of my favourite cities in the world.

   We’ve pencilled in a trip to Cornwall in June – if that doesn’t come together we’re off to Bloom !

   Thanks xx
   • English Mum says:

     May 8, 2010 at 6:07 pm

     Hi and welcome. Oh yes, such a great place for kids too – all those museums and lovely places to eat )
9. Irene O'Toole says:

   June 3, 2010 at 11:10 pm

   Hi,
   I’m going tomorrow ,Friday 4th June.
   My 1st time ! Looking forward to it even more after reading your posts.
   Can’t wait to sample the delicious array of quality foods……
   Thanks
   • English Mum says:

     June 4, 2010 at 6:08 pm

     Hi Irene – oh I’m so jealous! Have a great time xx