Spring Plant Fair returns to Antrim Castle Gardens this week with FREE family day out

Garden enthusiasts from across the borough and beyond are being invited to Antrim Castle Gardens this month for a free spring event featuring thousands of plants, specialist growers and expert advice, as Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council launches the countdown to one of Northern Ireland’s best-known home and garden showcases.

The Spring Plant Fair will take place on Saturday 11 April 2026, running from 10am to 5pm in the picturesque Parterre Gardens at Antrim Castle Gardens, offering visitors a full day of inspiration ahead of the summer season.

Organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the event is expected to draw both experienced gardeners and those just beginning to transform their outdoor spaces, with access to a wide selection of plants and direct advice from specialist growers.

Thousands of plants and expert advice in a free day out

Set against the backdrop of one of the borough’s most celebrated green spaces, the free event will feature thousands of plants from specialist suppliers, giving visitors the opportunity to source everything from seasonal colour and bedding plants to more specialist varieties.

Experts will be on hand throughout the day to offer guidance on planting, care and garden design ideas, helping visitors make the most of their own outdoor spaces as the spring growing season gets under way.

To make the experience easier for visitors, organisers have also confirmed that a Plant Crèche will be available on site, allowing shoppers to leave purchases safely while continuing to explore the fair and the wider gardens.

That added convenience is expected to make the event particularly appealing for families and visitors planning to spend several hours at the venue.

Mayor welcomes residents and visitors

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said the fair offers something for everyone, regardless of experience.

She said:

“The Spring Plant Fair is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to gather ideas, speak to experts and enjoy a relaxing day in the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens. Everyone is welcome, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned gardener.”

The event continues to build on the popularity of Antrim Castle Gardens as a destination for major seasonal attractions and family-friendly outdoor events.

Spring fair launches countdown to major summer show

This year’s plant fair also serves as the official lead-in to Home and Garden Show Ireland 2026, which returns in a refreshed format later this year.

The reimagined event will take place at the same venue from Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June, marking what organisers have described as “an exciting new chapter” for the long-established show.

The June event is set to expand its focus beyond gardening, bringing inspiration for both indoor and outdoor living, with ideas for homes, gardens and family spaces.

Organisers say the three-day show will offer a “fantastic day out for all the family”, continuing its reputation as one of the region’s major lifestyle events.

New ambassador announced alongside David Domoney

In one of the major announcements ahead of the summer show, organisers have confirmed that award-winning interior designer Suzanne Garuda will join well-known horticultural expert David Domoney as a show ambassador.

It will be the first time Suzanne Garuda has taken on the ambassador role for the event.

Widely recognised for her work on Cromlix House Hotel, owned by Andy Murray, and for her television appearances on DIY SOS, she is expected to bring a strong interiors and design focus to the show.

Visitors attending in June will have the chance to hear her expert views on:

• luxury interiors

• current design trends

• creative home ideas

• styling inspiration

She will also be meeting visitors and offering advice during the event.

Early bird tickets now on sale

Ahead of the June show, early bird tickets have already gone on sale.

Tickets are currently available for £10 until Saturday 11 April, with visitors able to use the promotional code EB26 at checkout. Go to gardenshowireland.com

The early booking offer runs until the same day as the Spring Plant Fair, creating a clear link between the two events and encouraging visitors to plan ahead for the larger summer showcase.

With spring planting season now beginning and summer plans already taking shape, the fair is set to offer both immediate inspiration for local gardens and an early preview of what promises to be one of the borough’s standout lifestyle events of 2026.

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At a glance

• Free Spring Plant Fair takes place on Saturday 11 April 2026

• Event runs from 10am to 5pm

• Hosted in the Parterre Gardens at Antrim Castle Gardens

• Visitors can browse thousands of plants from specialist growers

• Expert advice and a Plant Crèche will be available

• Event launches the run-up to Home and Garden Show Ireland

• Summer show runs 12–14 June 2026

• Early bird tickets currently £10 with code EB26 until 11 April