Bord Bia’s Bloom event opens in the Phoenix Park Dublin tomorrow (Thursday, May 29th) for five days. This year’s festival will feature 30 breath-taking show gardens, over 120 Irish food and drink producers, 50 nurseries within the Floral Marquee, more than 25 cookery demonstrations and over 160 retailers – all on the grounds of the Visitor Centre in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. The Bloom 2014 medals will be presented tomorrow morning before the public arrive and Bloom Patron, the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is due to visit the show at 11am.
Bloom will open at the earlier time of 9am each day and for organisers, the comfort and safety of visitors is a major priority. Last summer was one of the hottest on record, and visitor numbers soared to over 115,000, up 44% on previous years. This year, Met Éireann is forecasting temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius over the weekend. However, to cater for the unpredictable nature of Irish weather, the Bloom site consists of 3.6kms of trackway, 1km of walkway and over 3 acres of marquee–covered space, allowing visitors to come and go safely in rain or shine.
Bord Bia has compiled a list of top tips to ensure visitors have the best experience possible at Bloom, and arrive safe and stress-free for a fantastic day out:
Travelling to Bloom
Bloom takes place in the Visitor Centre of the Phoenix Park which is situated on the main road running from the Main Gate at Parkgate Street to the Castleknock Gate. Please note that the Ashtown Gate will be closed for the duration of the Bloom event.
Travel options to Bloom include:
- On foot: Chesterfield Avenue is the Pedestrian Entrance to Bloom. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from either Parkgate Street or Castleknock Gate to the Bloom event.
- By bicycle: It is possible to cycle right up to the Bloom event site and cyclists can avail of free facilities to park and lock their bikes
- By public transport: A courtesy shuttle bus will run from Heuston Station to Bloom (and back again) at regular intervals each day. The bus starts at 8.30am and will run at frequent intervals until 7pm.
- Luas: The Red Luas Line runs from Connolly Station and Lower Abbey Street directly to Heuston Station.
- Bus: The 46A bus takes you to the North Circular Road from Dun Laoghaire via Kildare Street and O’Connell Street. It is a 30-minute walk approximately from the NCR to Bloom.
- Train: Again those who arrive by train can avail of a free shuttle bus to Bloom.
- By car: There are two car parks available for those who wish to drive.
- Red Car Park A
- Serving City Centre Traffic from the Main Gate to the Phoenix Park (Parkgate Street) and the NCR Gate
- Green Car Park B
- Serving both City Centre / NCR traffic North City & M50 Traffic from the Castleknock Gate and White’s Gate
- Upon arrival the Phoenix Park, please follow the signs for the car parks
- Parking is available at the show at a daily rate of €5
A full and detailed traffic plan, including diversions, for all the weekend activities in Dublin and the surrounding area will be available on the Garda website www.garda.ie
Disabilities & Special Needs
Disabled car parking is available close to the entrance in each car park. Disability parking stickers must be displayed in a visible position to ensure students on site can direct visitors to the dedicated parking areas.
One companion is admitted free of charge per wheelchair user, visually impaired visitor or other person whose disability necessitates a carer.
Wheelchair Solutions, a branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association, will once again provide a wheelchair hire service from the main information gate. Should you wish to book a wheelchair in advance, you can do so by calling +353 (0) 1 818 6453 or by email at wheelchair@iwa.ie
Preparing for the Weather
Bord Bia remains hopeful that the sun will shine for Bloom and accordingly has set up free water points where visitors can fill their bottles in addition to 3 acres of marquee covered space to keep you in the shade (or out of the rain).
Eating at Bloom
The Food Village at Bloom will once again provide visitors with a vast array of food options, with all preferences and budgets catered for. From restaurant dining to grabbing a snack between exhibits, Bord Bia’s Food Village provides something for all tastes and requirements.
Additional Bloom Facilities
There will be two mobile ATM points at Bloom, one beside the organiser’s office and one in the Food Village. Due to high numbers of visitors, please expect to queue. Organisers recommend that those planning to purchase goods at the show should bring cash with them.
WiFi points will also be available across the site and these will be clearly marked.
Disability toilets, a baby-changing and feeding facility and a medical centre will all be on site and clearly marked on the event map.
The Plant Crèche will once again be up and running for Bloom 2014 ensuring that visitors who make floral purchases won’t have to carry them around all day. This service will be provided free of charge.
- Tickets are on sale now on www.bloominthepark.com
- Tickets can also be purchased on arrival at the gate and children go free!
- Follow Bloom on www.facebook.com/bloominthepark or join the conversation on Twitter @Bloominthepark and #bloom
For further information:
Mark Kilbride – 086 396 6338
Kristin Fox – 087 221 1916
