Become part of something very special...
The Irish Orchid Society is a place for anyone who loves orchids in all their bizarre and beautiful variety. Whether you are a beginner to the hobby or an expert in a single type; there is a home for you here.
Our members come from all walks of life and all levels of experience; some have only a few orchids on their windowsill that they purchased in a local supermarket, others have greenhouses with large collections of rare and exotic species. The thing is, we all learn from one another and share our knowledge.
If you grow orchids or just want to know more about them then membership will benefit you in many ways.
The IOS runs workshops on orchid cultivation; we have Q&As on cultivation, pest management best practices and the cultivation of different orchids.
We also organise field trips to view Irish native orchids in their habitat and international trips to view collections overseas.
We have regular speakers from all over the world who tell us about their experience and share their expertise.
At each meeting we have a raffle, we also run online raffles for special orchids and we make group purchases from abroad.
Annual membership is €20 for one and €30 for a family membership.
- The society meets in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin on the first Monday of every month except January and August. Meetings start at 7.30pm (Just come through the main gate and ask for directions at the security office). When the first Monday is on a Bank Holiday we meet on the second Monday.
- There is no substitute to seeing orchids “in the flesh” and hearing advice directly from experienced growers. The format of meetings varies. There are informal member’s nights, whereupon individuals bring along their specimens to show and offer tips on their success.
- We have workshops on specialised aspects of the hobby.
- Other meeting events feature illustrated presentations often from internationally renowned growers who speak on their chosen themes. These are usually entertaining as well as educational and always a feast for the eyes.
- At each orchid society event there are fund-raising raffles for interesting prizes including plants.
- Our members have travelled all over the world visiting orchid congresses, nurseries, research and conservation centres or just seeing for themselves the plants in their native habitats. On their return our explorers frequently present talks sharing their stories and pictures with an envious audience.
- In June the AGM is held where members have their chance to give feedback on how they feel the society is evolving.
- At December’s meeting we have a festive soiree while taking a look back over the years achievements.
Field Trips
Being Irish we just love to socialise at any opportunity. Periodically, as an alternative to the Glasnevin meetings, field trips are arranged. Expeditions are led to Bull Island in Dublin (not actually an island but land-linked sand bar created by none other than Captain Bligh of “Mutiny on the Bounty”!), to the famous “Burren” National Park in County Clare and to the north westerly counties of Sligo and Donegal all of which are all popular annual destinations for us in Ireland. We have also travelled to England to visit nurseries and attend shows and build friendships. We are optimistic we can venture further in the coming years.
Journal
The society produces a semi-annual newsletter “Pollinia” which is posted out to members. It contains articles and photos from members on anything orchid related and we ravenously crave more material for publishing! The journal also provides the vital function of keeping people, particularly those unable to attend the monthly meetings, updated on the goings on and forthcoming events. Past copies are available to view online at here
We would be delighted to hear from international orchidophiles and do pay us a visit if you are on vacation in Europe’s friendliest city, Dublin.