The Foodie’s Guide to Bloom 2015

Four reasons why even the fussiest foodies will blossom at Bloom…

With more than 100,000 visitors last year, this is undoubtedly a popular attraction for the green-fingered among us, but that’s not all Bloom has to offer (hint: it’s brought to you by Bord Bia). Scroll down to see why you should head to Bloom 2015 – which kicks off today and runs over the long weekend – if you’re a fan of all things food.

1 The tasty demos. Expect mouth-watering cooking demonstrations from culinary stars such as Catherine Fulvio and Neven Maguire to perpetually perky duo David and Stephen Flynn of The Happy Pear (above); the line-up is truly top notch.

2 The unmissable markets. The food stalls are a brilliant place to head to chat to small Irish producers about their craft, with 60 stands manned by the producers themselves. Be sure to catch the Best in Season Market for a chance to pick up unusual fruit, veg and herbs such as pineapple sage (mmmm), and learn how to use them from the experts.

3 The delectable dining. Don’t make the rookie mistake of filling up on the samples, as the range of fantastic restaurants has grown this year. The picnic area will house a large range of catering stalls, while the Bloom restaurant, caf? and seafood bar are offering special deals. The 370-seater Country Crest Food Fayre is the latest eatery to join the billing, promising a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on sustainability.

4 The refreshingly different refreshments. Craft breweries and distilleries have been cropping up left, right and centre in Ireland, and it’s clear we can’t get enough of their local flavour. Head to The Bloom Inn for a chance to catch up with brilliant Irish brewers and distillers such as Dublin’s Teeling Whiskey, and find yourself a more unusual ?ususal?.

Visitor information Admission charges vary; see?bloominthepark.com for details and to buy tickets. Opening times: Thursday May 28- Monday June 1, 9am-6pm, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.

Pop by the Blue Area from today until bank holiday Monday to meet the IMAGE team, who have teamed up with Botanicals by Boots in their skincare retreat. Subscription offers vary each day and there’ll be free hand massages to nurture your green fingers – what’s not to love? See you there!

Michelle Hanley for @Image_Interiors / @hanleymi