Latest news with #BordBiaBloom
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Colin Sheridan: Bloom is the crowning jewel of our capital city
Ah, Bloom! That annual horticultural hootenanny where the scent of freshly turned soil mingles with the aroma of artisan sausage rolls, and where the only thing more abundant than the flora is the flurry of floppy hats. This year, Bord Bia Bloom 2025 blossomed once again in Dublin's Phoenix Park, transforming 70 acres into a veritable Eden of eco-consciousness, culinary delights, and enough garden gnomes to march on the Aras and stage a coup. The earth laughs in flowers, so said Ralph Waldo Emerson, yesterday, it was in stitches. First, an admission of guilt. As a novice, the name of this festival confused me. Bloomsday falls on June 16 each year. That celebration of Joycean pomp is no relation to Bord Bia Bloom, but the timing and title caught me a little off guard. Were there enough Ulysses nuts to warrant a five-day celebration in the largest public park in any capital city in Europe? No, it turns out, there isn't. Which is a relief. This is something else entirely. It's reductive to compare festivals — each lives and dies on its own merits — but given the scale and logistical footprint of Bloom, the National Ploughing Festival is an obvious and worthy inspiration for Irelands premier gardening and horticultural festival. Beginning on Thursday and running throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, Bloom will have attracted over 120,000 punters through its gates by the time the last tent is collapsed on Monday. If the ploughing is Glastonbury, Bloom is Electric Picnic. The setting is majestic and the mood more than a little mischievous. The variety on display from the moment you enter is so rich it'd make a willow weep. Puns aside, Bloom means business. I'm no sooner in the gate but I'm watching the Ballymaloe crew do a cooking demo on the Dunnes Stores stage. Chef Neven Maguire is hanging in the wings signing autographs like he's a member of Metallica. Maisie Carton, aged 15, from Dundrum, was prepared for moody weather in the Phoenix Park. Picture: Moya Nolan If there are politicians about, they are keeping a low profile. The weather, too, is appropriate; wet on Thursday, Friday brings dark clouds broken up by brilliant sunshine. Good gardening weather, right? Weather so rich you can feel the grass grow beneath your feet. Excited school kids follow patient teachers like mini climbers trailing their sherpa. Grownups who should know better sip Aperol spritz from recyclable plastic cups. With a taste of summer already lingering in the back of our throats, the timing of Bloom could not be more apposite. The heart of the festival lies in its show gardens — 21 verdant visions ranging from the sublime to the surreal. Take, for instance, the 'Make A Wish Foundation Garden' by Linda McKeown, a space so enchanting it could make a grown man weep into his compost. Then there's the 'GRÁ' garden by Kathryn Feeley for Dogs Trust, a canine-centric paradise where even the shrubs seem to wag their leaves in approval. Not to be outdone, the 'Tusla Fostering Garden' by Pip Probert offers a vibrant tapestry of colours and textures, symbolising the diverse journeys of foster families. Bloom, though, is not just about seasoned green thumbs; it's also a fertile ground for budding gardening superstars. The 'Cultivating Talent' initiative, now in its third year, continues to nurture and showcase the next generation of garden designers. This year's standout is Dr Sarah Cotterill — an assistant professor at UCD — whose 'Into the Woods' garden pays homage to Ireland's Atlantic rainforests, proving that even civil engineers can have a soft spot for ferns. Billy Alexander of Kells Bay House and Gardens in Kerry brought his Chelsea Flower Show-winning fern garden to Bloom. Picture: Moya Nolan For those of us whose idea of gardening involves little more ingenuity than picking herbs for a G&T, the Food Village offers enough distraction to fill a day. I unwittingly followed one chap who easily reached his daily calorie quota by exclusively eating free samples. It was an admirably frugal tactic, if a tad unnecessary. Unlike other festivals, the food was ample and reasonably priced. The village — which features nearly 100 Irish producers — is a smorgasbord of local delights. I'd eaten two gourmet burgers and a hot dog before lunchtime. Not every day in the trenches is like this, and this one-man army marches on its stomach. The food stages are accessible and unfussy — culinary luminaries like Neven, Darina Allen, and Fiona Uyema are on hand to whip up some dishes that would make an intermittent faster reconsider their life choices. The atmosphere is collegiate, the food divine. Sure, there are plenty of healthy options on display, too, but Bloom is not the space to suddenly become precious. There is lots of cream and butter, and the fun and food police are conspicuous in their absence. A key theme running throughout the festival is sustainability, with the Sustainable Living Stage hosting 40 talks on topics ranging from food waste to natural skincare hacks. The festival walked the walk — quite literally — by offering free shuttle buses, ample bicycle parking, and ensuring all food and drink packaging was compostable or recyclable. There were even volunteers on hand at each bin to advise you on what goes where. Keen not to take itself too seriously, Bloom isn't just for the horticulturally inclined; it's a family affair. The Budding Bloomers area offered a range of activities for the young and the young at heart, from bug workshops to interactive performances. Chef Tricia Lewis giving a cookery demonstration to a crew of hungry festivalgoers. Picture: Moya Nolan For those looking to bring a piece of Bloom home, the Grand Pavilion and Plant Emporium offered everything from handcrafted garden sculptures to rare plant species. It's the kind of place where you go in for a packet of seeds and come out with a bonsai tree and a newfound appreciation for macrame rope. In its 19th year, Bord Bia Bloom continues to be a testament to Ireland's love affair with all things green and growing. It's a safe, creative space where gardeners, foodies, and families converge to celebrate the simple joys of nature, nourishment, and community. In a time when the deforestation of the island is a hot topic, Bloom offers an antidote to the doom and gloom that can sometimes suffocate green-adjacent conversations. The jewel of the crown of this festival, however, is not any one of the celebrity gardeners, chefs or even Juniperus Communis on display. It's not even the extra-mature cheeses, of which I consumed quite a few. No, it is unquestionably the venue. The Phoenix Park frames this event and makes it a masterpiece, a celebration of nature its creators and organisers can absolutely be proud of. Verdant and resplendent, the vastness of the park itself makes access and egress easy. The walled gardens within the festival compound act as a spine for a sprawl that is beautifully organised, but never contrived. Great oak trees provide shelter from the infrequent showers. The grass acts as a quilt to lie on and bask in the brilliant sunshine. Just outside the fence, a herd of fallow deer skip by, as if curious about the din inside. There is a lot wrong with our capital city, and, understandably, we spend plenty of time talking about it. Bloom is an example of something done incredibly right. A festival of nature, food, colour, and life, hosted in a public park at an incredibly reasonable price. Accessible to everybody, and not a Joycean scholar in sight.
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Award winning Leitrim garden designer takes gold medal for unique entry at Bord Bia Bloom
Leonie Cornelius, an award-winning garden designer based in North Leitrim, has been honoured with a gold medal at the 2025 Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin for her medium garden titled Nourish – The Caragh Nurseries Garden. This is her sixth show garden for Bord Bia Bloom. Leonie has won numerous medals and awards at Bord Bia Bloom, including a gold medal for last year's Óir, the Zarbee's Garden. Her entry this year is a collaboration with Caragh Nurseries and the courtyard-style garden blends architecture with wild nature to reconnect us with ourselves and the rhythms of the natural world. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean living and ancient herbal traditions, Nourish features a sensory apothecary room surrounded by climate-resilient, edible, and ornamental planting. The garden invites visitors to slow down, restore, and rediscover pleasure in nature. With a focus on sustainable design and emotional nourishment, this immersive space is a powerful response to the demands of modern life. Showcasing bespoke elements from Caragh Nurseries and its outdoor brand, Finn & Elder, Nourish is both a visual and visceral experience – an inspiring blueprint for living in harmony, grounded in nature. Leonie Cornelius is an award-winning garden designer, interior architect, and bestselling author whose work explores the deep connection between nature, design, and wellbeing. Inspired by her childhood in Germany and time spent living on a Greek island and in the south of France, she blends Mediterranean influences with Irish landscapes to create soulful, sensory-rich gardens. Her designs celebrate slow living, seasonal rituals, and emotional restoration. Through her Nourish garden, Leonie invites visitors to reconnect – with themselves, each other, and the wild rhythms of the natural world. After Bloom, Nourish garden's plants will be relocated to Caragh Nurseries' wellbeing garden after the festival, ensuring their continued growth and contribution to a nurturing environment. Caragh Nurseries in County Kildare spans over 60 acres, offering exceptional trees, plants, and bespoke garden design, alongside exclusive pots, lighting, and furniture – creating complete, beautifully tailored outdoor spaces.
Irish Independent
18 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford wins four medals on first day of Bord Bia Bloom 2025
Bord Bia Bloom is Ireland's largest gardening festival, with an estimated 100,000 visitors attending this year's event which showcased not just horticulture, but also food and sustainability across 300 events. Kilmurry Nursury in Gorey brought home a gold medal in their category while Hyland's nursery, also Gorey, brought home a bronze. Christine Rigney from the Co Wexford Garden and Flower Club in Enniscorthy, won bronze for her 'The Triumph of Light' display. Kate Kos, of Farmleigh Rose received silver for her mixed media art. Jim O'Toole, Bord Bia Chief Executive said, 'After months of hard work and planning, we are delighted to welcome our first visitors here this morning. I would like to congratulate all the medal winners whose creativity and expertise has been justly rewarded. Now the public can appreciate their inspiring horticulture displays over the next five days." "We have an action-packed schedule ahead with something for everyone, including over 300 performances and demonstrations across seven stages. Visitors can pick-up gardening tips and tricks, advice on sustainable living; and try the best of Irish food and drink,' he added.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Things to do in Dublin this long weekend (May 30 - June 2)
With a long bank holiday weekend stretching out before us, now is the perfect time to plan your next day out, whether it be to Ireland's premier garden festival or a night on the town enjoying improv comedy. A staple of the June Bank Holiday Weekend, Bord Bia Bloom is an extravaganza of food, fashion, flowers and craft. Now celebrating its 19th year, Ireland's premier garden festival takes place across 70 beautiful acres of Dublin's Phoenix Park from Thursday, 29 May - Monday, 2 June. Full price day tickets cost €30. 2. Marvel Pub Quiz Do you know your Spider-Man from your Hawkeye? Your Ant-Man from your Black Widow? This Saturday, 31 May, Board Dublin - a bar specialising in no and low alcoholic drinks - is hosting a Marvel pub quiz, so put your thinking caps on and get ready to assemble. Free booking, please book in groups of two or more people. 3. Free screening at the IFI Join the Irish Film Institute for free daily lunchtime screenings of films from the IFI Irish Film Archive. Simply collect your tickets online (with a small booking fee) or at IFI Box Office and sit down to something you've likely never seen before. This week's screening is A Church is Built, a 27 minute film shows the construction of The Church of the Redeemer in Dundalk, designed by architect Frank Corr, from the discussion of the first plans to the blessing of the finished building. 4. Solve-Along-A Murder She Wrote The Lighthouse Cinema is hosting an interactive screenings of classic Murder, She Wrote episodes. This Monday will see games, prizes and audience participation as attendees attempt to solve the case of the episode, Old Habits Die Hard. There are 3:30pm and 8:30pm screenings. Tickets cost €25. The Music Presents: Dublin miniFEST — an electrifying night of live music, good vibes, and unforgettable energy taking place in Fibber Magees on Parnell Street. Tickets cost €23.18 and guests can expect local and touring musicians including Lavery, Laura C, and Elvis Poko. 6. Auto-Correbt & Friends BYOB Comedy Show Comedy group Auto-Correbt are hosting a night in Dublin's Pearse Centre featuring a series of sketches, characters and stories - all created in the moment. Don't worry, though, no one will get pulled on stage from the audience, so you're safe as an audience member. This BYOB event will take place on Sunday, 1 June, from 7:45pm - 10pm. Tickets are €12 while student / unwaged tickets are €6. 7. Chappell Roan Themed Pottery Painting Night Taking place on Saturday, 31 May, from 7pm - 9pm in Smithfield, Dublin Pottery are hosting a femininomenon-al event whereby attendees can enjoy a special Chappel Roan-themed night with HOT TO GO! inspired designs, music, suprises and more. €5 guarantees your spot and ceramics can be bought in the studio. Sylvia Ferguson is hosting outdoor yoga in Marlay Park on Friday morning from 9.30am - 10.30am. Tickets cost €18 and the class is a mixed-ability yoga flow that is suitable for everyone. If it's dry, bring your yoga mat. If it's raining, bring a raincoat and sturdy shoes. Warm layers are essential.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Branding those opposed to Netanyahu policies antisemitic is ‘slander'
He said the slander has been used against Ireland and individuals, including the president himself. Speaking at the Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park in Dublin, Mr Higgins said there is an active campaign against Ireland in the United States. He said that it 'breaks my heart' that there are countries who are holding back on a ceasefire. Mr Higgins said that more than 81% of the people in Gaza have been displaced. 'They have been put into temporary accommodation that has been bombed. Their soil is being destroyed,' he added. 'Their hospitals have been bombed.' Mr Higgins, who lasted visited Gaza in 2006, also spoke about the importance of the bakeries in the region. And he was critical of the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, saying it was an 'entirely unaccountable body', whose executive director resigned last week. Jake Wood, the American heading the foundation, unexpectedly resigned earlier this week, saying it had become clear that the foundation would not be allowed to operate independently. Mr Higgins added: 'One of the things you should look at is what is in the boxes they are distributing. Far from me to speak about any delay in anyone getting any relief but they are branded products for the future private sector of retail. 'Look at the wrappings. Imagine giving a starving person something wrapped in your own brand so that you will have opportunities in the future.' He also said that those who are seen to criticise Mr Netanyahu's policies are being described as antisemitic. 'That is a disgrace and a slander and has been a slander against Ireland, against individuals, including myself,' he said. 'People who have worked all their lives in relation to human rights activity. I think it has been given too much space. 'The idea that propaganda can pay against Ireland is now active in the United States, so that when we are seeking to have meetings with people who are investing in Ireland, they are being contacted in advance with a suggestion by saying, 'you must open why is Ireland so against the US position in Israel'.' He also repeated comments in which he urged the UN General Assembly to use its special powers to override the Security Council if it fails to act in Gaza. 'Now is the time, today is the day for food and medical aid and water to be made available,' he added.
