The Phoenix Park, Dublin was a hive of activity over the June Bank Holiday weekend as Bord Bia Bloom 2025 welcomed 100,000 visitors. According to the organisers, business flourished, and spirits soared at the much-loved annual event.
Speaking today (Monday) on the concluding day of the 2025 festival, Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia’s Chief Executive, highlighted the enduring popularity of Bloom. “Bloom 2025 has been a fantastic success — we welcomed wonderful crowds over the five days, enjoyed mostly favourable weather, and the atmosphere throughout the show has been incredibly positive. As we wrap up this year’s event, excitement is already building for a very special milestone: Bord Bia Bloom’s 20th anniversary in 2026.”
Sustainable Gardens
In keeping with previous years, and the focus on sustainability and waste reduction at Bord Bia Bloom, many elements of the show and feature gardens will be relocated after the event including:
The Grass Advantage
Designed by Robert Moore and sponsored by the National Dairy Council
Every element within this garden will be reused, replanted, or repurposed after the festival. The alder, hazel and field maple trees will be rehomed in a woodland setting in Wicklow while the weathered corrugated steel will be put back on the side of a dairy shed in Stamullen, County Meath. The milk churn structure will be reused as a focal point in a community garden, and the stone walls and stone-pave paving will be reused in a community allotment.
The Estate’s Essence
Designed by Patrik Weisser and sponsored by Abbeyleix House and Farm
All elements of the garden will be brought back to Abbeyleix House and Farm in County Laois where they will be used to build on the gardens at the estate.
Into The Forest
Designed by Sarah Cotterill, winner of the 2025 Cultivating Talent initiative, and sponsored by Westland Horticulture.
Many of the garden’s elements, including plants, the sculptural bench, and the mossy boulders, will be donated to the Ballina Sensory Park. This community-led project is currently in the build phase and aims to support the needs of people who are neurodivergent while also adding nature value to the local area.
Final Day Awards
The final day of the festival also marked the announcement of two awards, including:
The People’s Choice Award, whereby visitors to the show vote for their favourite show garden, was awarded to Tulsa’s ‘Fostering is for You’ garden designed by Pip Probert. This vibrant garden is a heartfelt tribute to the fostering community and celebrates the intertwining lives of children from various backgrounds, foster carers, their families, and dedicated staff.
The Bloom 2025 garden designers select the Designer’s Choice Award, and this year the accolade was presented to Louise Checa who designed the gold medal winning ‘Citroën Downsizers’ Garden’. The garden highlights how our garden needs evolve in tune with our lifestyles and life stages. Earlier in the week, the show garden judges presented Louise with the ‘Special Award for Planting’.
Business was Bloomin’
Consumers exhibited a strong willingness to spend at Bloom, with many exhibitors reporting robust sales. Carlingford Oyster Company, participating for the first time, was particularly impressed. “For producers, Bord Bia Bloom represents an excellent opportunity to engage directly with consumers. That brief personal interaction creates a lasting impression, ensuring our brand is remembered” said Kian Louet-Feisser, Managing Director. “The Food Hall has been exceptionally busy; it has been a highly positive experience.”
Dates for 2026
Bord Bia has confirmed that Bloom 2026 will take place from Thursday, May 28th to Monday, June 1st.
