Spring 2025 was Ireland’s warmest and sunniest on record, creating ideal conditions for apple orchards. Research Officer at Teagasc Oak Park, Dr. Alberto Ramos Luz explains why better pollination, strong fruit set, and excellent colour and flavour development mean growers – and consumers – can look forward to one of the best apple harvests in years

A strong apple harvest in 2025 – what’s behind it?

Apple growers across Ireland – and even small farmyard orchards – are noticing that yields are particularly strong this season. At Oak Park, we are also seeing this trend, and there are a few clear reasons why.

According to Met Éireann, spring 2025 was the warmest on record in over 120 years and the sunniest ever recorded. Temperatures were more than 2 °C above the long-term average, and it was the driest spring since 2020. These unusual conditions created a very favourable environment for apples.

The warm, settled weather supported greater activity of pollinating insects at flowering time, leading to excellent pollination. Good pollination improves fruit set, increases the number of seeds per apple, and often results in larger fruit size – all of which are evident this year.

In addition, the record sunshine boosted photosynthesis, helping trees produce more carbohydrates to fuel fruit development. This not only promoted strong fruit set but also supported steady growth right through the season.

As we move into harvest, the continued sunshine is also helping with colour development and sugar accumulation, improving both the appearance, and eating quality of fruit.

Overall, this combination of record-breaking weather and good growing conditions is stacking up to deliver one of the strongest apple harvests seen in recent years. For consumers, it means that Irish apples will be more plentiful, colourful, and tastier than ever – so it’s the perfect year to enjoy locally grown fruit this autumn.

For more insights into the research work ongoing in Teagasc Oak Park on apple production, watch the below video: