With the Irish summer just around the corner, the days are longer, the weather is warmer (at least by Irish standards!), and it’s the perfect time to turn your garden, patio, or balcony into an outdoor sanctuary. 

Whether you're planning BBQs, quiet family dinners outside, or lively garden parties with friends, the right combination of outdoor appliances and tech can elevate your space into a stylish and functional extension of your home.

At DID.ie, we’ve got everything you need to prepare your outdoor area for an unforgettable summer. 

In this blog, we’ll take you through the essential outdoor appliances, smart tech, and design ideas that can help you get garden-ready in 2025.

The Rise of the Garden Chef

Outdoor cooking isn’t just a trend – it’s a lifestyle. More and more Irish households are embracing the joy of grilling in the fresh air. The right barbecue setup not only enhances your meals, but it also creates a social focal point in your garden.

Types of BBQs

Gas BBQs

These are easy to use and perfect for fast and controlled cooking. You simply turn the knob and start grilling. They often come with multiple burners, integrated thermometers, and warming racks. Brands like Weber and Campingaz offer excellent options.

Charcoal BBQs

Loved for the smoky flavour they give to food, charcoal barbecues are a bit messier and require more prep time, but many believe the taste is worth it. They're often more affordable and ideal for BBQ purists.

Hybrid BBQs

Can’t decide between gas or charcoal? Hybrid BBQs offer the best of both worlds. You can light up the gas side for speed and the charcoal side when you want that authentic smoky flavour.

Portable BBQs

Perfect for small gardens, picnics, or camping trips. These lightweight options are designed for ease of transport and storage.

BBQ Accessories

Investing in accessories can greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience:

• BBQ utensils (tongs, spatulas, skewers)

• Thermometers for accurate grilling

• Grill covers to protect from the elements

• Cleaning brushes

• Heat-resistant gloves

While summer days in Ireland can be glorious, the evenings often bring a chill. Outdoor heaters help extend your time outside comfortably.

Electric Patio Heaters

Ideal for quick, direct heating. They’re energy-efficient and great for urban settings or small gardens.

Gas Patio Heaters

These offer high heat output and are better for larger spaces. They’re freestanding and provide a warm glow, creating a cosy ambience.

Infrared Heaters

Use radiant heat, which is absorbed by people and objects rather than warming the air. Perfect for breezy conditions.

Fire Pits and Chimeneas

Add a rustic charm to any outdoor setting. They provide warmth and also serve as a great visual centrepiece. Some even allow you to roast marshmallows!

Lighting is crucial for both function and mood. Here’s how to light up your garden like a pro:

Solar Lighting

Eco-friendly and cost-effective. Place solar stake lights along pathways or flowerbeds. They charge during the day and glow at night.

String Lights

Nothing beats the charm of warm, twinkling lights draped over fences, pergolas, or trees. Choose waterproof models with timers or remote controls.

Wall and Ground Spotlights

Great for highlighting garden features, statues, or architectural elements.

Motion Sensor Lights

Ideal for added security and energy efficiency. They activate only when movement is detected.

Take your garden parties up a notch with quality sound systems and entertainment setups.

Bluetooth & Portable Speakers

• Weatherproof designs with crisp audio.

• Long battery life (8-20 hours on average).

• Some include built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Outdoor TVs

Rain or shine, outdoor TVs are engineered to handle Ireland’s unpredictable weather. They offer anti-glare screens and durable casings.

Projectors

Perfect for summer movie nights under the stars. Pair a projector with a collapsible screen and Bluetooth speakers.

Your garden should feel like an extension of your living room.

Outdoor Furniture

Choose weather-resistant materials like rattan, treated wood, or metal. Look for furniture with storage options and cushions made of quick-dry foam.

Shade Solutions

Whether it’s an umbrella, sail canopy, or gazebo, shade is vital for sunny afternoons. Some umbrellas include built-in solar lights.

Storage Sheds & Deck Boxes

Keep your tools and accessories safe from the elements in sleek and practical outdoor storage units.

Smart Irrigation Systems

Water your plants with precision. Use your phone to schedule watering times, monitor soil moisture, and even detect weather conditions.

Robotic Lawn Mowers

Let tech do the hard work. Set a schedule and let the mower trim your grass autonomously.

Smart Outdoor Plugs

Control garden lights, fountains, or even your BBQ (if it's smart-enabled) remotely.

• Zoning: Divide your garden into functional areas: cooking, dining, relaxation, and play.

• Planting: Incorporate greenery that thrives in Ireland’s climate, like lavender, heather, and box hedges.

• Pathways: Use stone, gravel, or decking to create flow between zones.

• Seating: Add a mix of fixed seating and flexible options like bean bags or foldable chairs.

Use this ultimate checklist to ensure your outdoor space is ready for every sunny moment the Irish summer throws your way.

🍔 BBQ & Cooking

• Deep clean your BBQ grill grates and burners

• Check your gas bottle and stock up on refills or charcoal

• Test ignition and gas lines for safety

• Organise BBQ utensils, marinades, skewers, and cleaning brushes

• Restock on disposable plates, cups, and napkins for guests

🌳 Garden & Greenery

• Mow the lawn and trim the edges

• Prune overgrown hedges and bushes

• Pull weeds and refresh flower beds

• Fertilise plants and add fresh mulch if needed

• Set up hanging baskets or potted summer flowers

• Clean and fill bird feeders to attract garden wildlife

🔊 Entertainment & Tech

• Test outdoor speakers or Bluetooth sound systems

• Fully charge portable projectors or entertainment devices

• Check Wi-Fi coverage in your garden — consider a Wi-Fi extender

• Set up outdoor lighting automation or smart plug timers

• Create or update your ultimate garden party Spotify playlist

🪑 Furniture & Comfort

• Power-wash or scrub your decking or patio

• Wipe down outdoor furniture, including cushions and upholstery

• Apply weatherproof treatment to wooden furniture or fences

• Tighten loose bolts or replace missing screws on seating or tables

• Set up umbrellas, shade sails, or gazebos

• Check for rust or wear on metal fixtures

🔥 Heating & Lighting

• Check patio heaters or chimeneas for dust and blockage

• Top up gas canisters or clean ash from fire pits

• Replace broken bulbs in garden lighting

• Test solar lights — replace batteries or panels if needed

• Add citronella candles or bug-repellent lanterns

💡 Smart Gadgets & Automation

• Test smart plugs, irrigation systems, or robotic lawn mowers

• Sync garden lighting or devices with your smart assistant (Google Home, Alexa, etc.)

• Set timers or schedules for lights and watering

• Update firmware on smart garden gadgets

🧰 Storage & Safety

• Clean and organise your outdoor storage boxes or garden sheds

• Store tools properly and inspect for rust or damage

• Ensure BBQs and fire pits are placed safely away from flammable surfaces

• Install motion-sensor lights or outdoor security cameras