GLAS 2026: your event, your views

This year’s GLAS gathered more than 100 exhibitors with diverse expertise across the horticultural trade

From networking and new products to industry collaboration and planning for the future, GLAS 2026 brought the Irish horticulture sector together in Dublin

Horticulture

13 August 2026

GLAS 2026 once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and ambition of Ireland’s horticulture and amenity sector, bringing more than 100 leading suppliers, growers, retailers, landscapers and industry professionals together at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin on the 16th July.

The one-day trade event provided an important opportunity for the industry to reconnect, discover new products and technologies, share ideas and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

GLAS continues to be the place where the Irish horticulture and amenity sector connects, innovates, and grows.

Attendees left with new ideas, supplier connections, and equipment solutions ready to elevate their operations.

We hear from exhibitors, judges and industry stakeholders on what makes GLAS such an important event for the sector.

“I think GLAS has a very positive impact on the industry. Like any sector, you have to come together, share ideas and collaborate across all the different corners of the industry. That’s very important. I think it’s a fantastic event. It’s great to see all of the industry stakeholders coming from different perspectives and to have the opportunity to engage with them.” Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Niall Collins, who attended the event, said.

“This year’s GLAS has been better than I would have anticipated. It’s well run and well organised, and the industry has certainly been very complimentary. As always, we can always do better, but overall, it’s been a very positive event. It’s an annual get-together for the whole sector, and that’s certainly a benefit. It gives people the opportunity to build relationships, strengthen connections and do business,” Kieran Dunne, The Kildare Growers, said.

“GLAS is an important event for the environmental horticulture sector in Ireland. There are also people from abroad showcasing their products and services, so it’s great to have the whole community coming together, interacting, exchanging ideas and talking about new products and new services. It’s also great to see younger people coming into the industry and taking over what have traditionally been family businesses. It’s really encouraging to hear them talk about their plans and what they see the future of their businesses looking like. We need more young people and new people coming into the industry, and GLAS is a great opportunity for them to connect with the wider sector,” Dr Owen Doyle, Horticulture Education Leadership Group, said.

“It’s really busy this year, and it’s a great place for networking and meeting like-minded people. You can also discover new products and developments, see what’s new and interesting, and find out what could be relevant to you and your business. It’s a great opportunity to connect, explore, and stay up to date with what’s happening in the industry,” Kinta Oakes, GLDA, said.

“GLAS is a really good annual event because it brings everybody in the industry together, not just your direct clients, but people from all different parts of the industry. So you get the opportunity to network with a whole range of people. You also get to see products that you might not necessarily think of. It’s a great opportunity to meet with suppliers as well. It’s also a great time of year because we’re finished with the really busy part of the season. It gives you a chance to reset and rethink things, look back at the season that’s just gone and start thinking ahead to the next one,” Ciaran Burke, Johnstown Garden Centre and GLAS judge, said.

“Being from the retail part of the industry, I think it’s really good that GLAS brings people together. It gives you a chance to get a picture of any gaps you might have in your business, while also seeing new innovations, new products and new plants. GLAS gives you the opportunity to make connections, see what’s happening across the industry. That’s really good for the industry as a whole,” Paul McGill, Tirlán and GLAS judge, said.

“For me, GLAS is a very important and influential event for the nursery industry and for the buyers. It’s great to see the range of nurseries, the new products and the quality of plants on display. At this time of year, you’re seeing the plants at their very best, and I think the colour and visual impact certainly influences buyers. I think the stands attract considerable interest, and it’s great to see the nurseries being represented here,” Patrick Gleeson, GLAS judge, said.

“We get to meet all our customers, other nurseries and even our competitors. It’s a great opportunity to catch up, have a chat about the industry, reflect on how the season went and look ahead to what we’re going to do next year. It’s a really valuable opportunity for everyone in the industry to come together,” Nuala Young, Young Nurseries, said.

More than simply a trade show, GLAS 2026 once again provided a meeting point for an industry that benefits from collaboration.

The event highlighted a sector that continues to innovate, adapt and plan for the future, while reinforcing the importance of face-to-face connections in building a stronger horticulture industry.

Read more: Highlights from GLAS 2026