Thousands expected as Home and Garden Show Ireland blooms into bigger and wetter-proof event

Joan Whittaker and Elizabeth Connor at the Home and Garden Show Ireland

Visitors turned out in force as Home and Garden Show Ireland 2026 opened its gates at Antrim Castle Gardens on Friday, marking the start of a packed weekend celebrating gardening, food, home living and outdoor inspiration.

The event, formerly known as Garden Show Ireland, has returned this year with a significantly expanded format and one major improvement that quickly proved its worth on opening day — a large new covered marquee area that means around 70% of the show is now under cover.

With occasional rain showers passing through during the afternoon, the enhanced layout allowed visitors to continue browsing exhibits, watching demonstrations and enjoying attractions without interruption.

A bigger show for 2026

Watching demostrations on the Coleman's Garden Stage during the Home and Garden Show Ireland 2026

Now recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading home, garden and lifestyle event, the show features a diverse programme designed to appeal to everyone from dedicated gardeners to families looking for a day out.

Visitors on Friday enjoyed specialist plant displays, expert gardening advice, artisan food producers, craft exhibitors, live entertainment and interactive workshops spread throughout the historic grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens.

Plant growers, nurseries and flower farmers attracted strong interest from gardening enthusiasts keen to discover new varieties and gain practical advice ahead of the summer growing season.

The event also offers live cookery demonstrations and talks from a range of well-known personalities across gardening, food and lifestyle sectors.

Big names set for weekend appearances

Show ambassadors David Domoney and Suzanne Garuda pictured alongside representatives from headline sponsors Choice Housing (Mark Kent and Jonathan Blakely), The Junction Retail and Leisure Park (Chris Flynn, Director) and Coleman’s Garden Centre Templepatrick (Richard Fry).

The show continues across Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm each day.

Among those appearing over the weekend are gardening ambassador David Domoney, broadcaster Pamela Ballantine, gardening expert Jane Rea, chef Paula McIntyre, garden designer Marie Staunton and horticultural specialist Paul Smyth.

Organisers say the expanded format has been designed to create a more comfortable visitor experience while retaining everything that has made the event a popular fixture in Northern Ireland’s summer calendar.

Still time to visit

Lizzie and Kate Owens fascinated by the bubble bike at Home and Garden Show Ireland

With two full days of activities still to come, organisers are encouraging anyone considering a visit to take advantage of the remaining weekend programme.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Admission is £14 for adults, £12.50 for concessions and children under 16 go free.

Further information is available at gardenshowireland.com.

Home and Garden Show Ireland 2026 got off to a great start today at Antrim Castle Gardens

Speakers Paul Smyth and Marie Staunton enjoy the Home and Garden Show Ireland 2026

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Alison Bennington

Crowds enjoy the Home and Garden Show Ireland 2026

Rhonda and Martha-Lily Maternaghan enjoying the show.

Scott Fallis browsing the wide selection of plants at the Plant Mall at the show.