Father’s Day flowers: yes, Dad wants them too

Socks, aftershave, a pint: Irish dads get the same presents every June. A bunch of flowers on the kitchen table, or a plant for the garden he is always pottering in, is something he will not expect, and that is the point.

Bold bouquets and plants for Dad.

See ideas for Dad

When it falls

Father’s Day in Ireland is the third Sunday in June, every year. That lines up with Britain and the United States, but not with much of Europe: Italy, Spain and Portugal mark it in March on St Joseph’s Day, and Germany on Ascension Day. If Dad lives abroad, check the local date.

Because the day is a Sunday, plan for the flowers to arrive on the Friday or Saturday before. Many florists do not deliver on Sundays, and an early arrival gives him the whole weekend to enjoy them.

What works for Dad

Strong colours

Yellow, orange, deep red, burgundy, white and plenty of green. Leave the baby pinks and lavender ribbons for Mothering Sunday unless you know he loves them.

Flowers with some structure

Sunflowers, roses with eucalyptus, chunky alstroemeria and early dahlias feel solid rather than delicate. In June you might also find delphiniums and peonies at the end of their season.

Something that lasts

A potted orchid, a peace lily for the office, or a shrub or rose for the garden keeps the gift going long after Sunday dinner. For the dad who grows his own, a good plant can mean more than any bouquet.

Tip: Choosing lilies? Ask for the pollen to be removed, or pinch out the orange tips yourself, and skip them entirely if there is a cat in the house.

Send Father’s Day flowers anywhere in Ireland.

Choose flowers

Matching the flowers to the man

The gardener: a plant for the border, or seasonal cut flowers he will compare with his own.
The sports fan: flowers in his county or club colours; the florist can work to a colour brief.
The busy one: an orchid or a low-maintenance plant for his desk.
The traditionalist: deep red roses or white lilies in a simple arrangement.
Grandad: a cheerful mixed bunch, and a card from the grandchildren.

Remembering a father

For many people Father’s Day is also a day of loss. Visiting the grave with flowers is common in Ireland, and a small arrangement or a potted plant that can sit by the headstone is a fitting choice. Check whether the cemetery has rules about pots and glass.

For the card

“Happy Father’s Day. Thanks for everything, Dad.”
“To the best dad and the worst jokes. Love you.”
“Happy Father’s Day, Grandad, from all your gang.”
“Thinking of you today, Dad, and always.”

Other ideas: our guide to Mothering Sunday, roses and colour meanings in flower language. Practical tips on timing are in how to send flowers, and keeping them fresh in our care tips. Ready? Send flowers.

Father’s Day questions

When is Father’s Day in Ireland?

It is always the third Sunday in June, the same date as in Britain and the United States. Many other countries celebrate on a different date, so check first if Dad lives abroad.

Do men really like getting flowers?

Most are quietly delighted, partly because it is unexpected. Choose bold colours and sturdy flowers rather than soft pastels, or give a plant he can keep on a desk or in the garden.

Can flowers arrive on Father’s Day itself?

Father’s Day is a Sunday, and many florists do not deliver on Sundays. Choose the Friday or Saturday before as the delivery day so the flowers are there for the weekend.

What can I give if Dad has passed away?

Many Irish families visit the grave on Father’s Day. A small arrangement, a pot of seasonal flowers or a single rose by the headstone is a simple way to remember him.