Bloom garden festival is back with fun for the whole family

Judges take a close look at one of the gardens on display during a preview of the Bord Bia Bloom garden festival. Pictures: Brian Lawless/PA

Ireland’s signature garden festival, Bloom, is back for its 16th year. 

The event, which starts on Thursday at 10am, is for all ages and is often compared to the Chelsea Flower Show. However, in truth it is more than a simple gardening festival.