Blackberries Ripening Across Ireland

Blackberries are now beginning to ripen in hedgerows across Ireland. The fruit typically appears in late summer, with peak picking season running from mid-August to late September, depending on weather conditions and location.

Blackberry picking has been a common seasonal activity in rural Ireland for generations. The fruit grows on bramble bushes, often in sunny, sheltered spots along roadsides, fields, and woodland edges. Ripe berries are usually plump, deep purple to black in colour, and have a sweet flavour.

According to Irish folklore, blackberries should be picked before Michaelmas (29 September). Traditional stories attribute this to the belief that the Púca, or in some versions the Devil, spoils the fruit after this date. In practice, late-season berries are more likely to be affected by mould, damp weather, or frost, which can cause bitterness.

Blackberries have traditionally been used in homemade jams, pies, crumbles, and wines. They have also been eaten fresh as a seasonal snack and are a source of vitamins and antioxidants.

The 2025 growing season has so far produced good conditions for blackberry development in many regions, with a combination of warmth and rainfall supporting fruit growth. Upcoming weather forecasts indicate a mix of sunshine and showers, which should help remaining berries to ripen over the next few weeks.