The National Dairy Council (NDC) is set to make a splash at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom, taking place in Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday weekend. As a farmer-funded marketing agency, the NDC will celebrate Irish dairy farming with a host of interactive events, educational talks, and delicious dairy tastings over the five-day event.

At the heart of the NDC’s presence is ‘The Grass Advantage’ garden, designed by award-winning garden designer Robert Moore. Now in his fifth Bloom show, Moore’s large concept garden captures the essence of Ireland’s lush, pasture-based dairy system. It features a stunning five-metre-high milk churn sculpture, a powerful symbol of the cultural heritage and global reputation of Irish dairy. The garden itself, with its white clover and multi-species grass mix, highlights the natural richness of Ireland’s grazing landscape, emphasizing the critical role it plays in sustainable dairy production.

Beyond its visual impact, the garden tells the story of how Ireland’s grass-based farming system creates a positive ripple effect, enhancing food quality, nutrition, and environmental health. It’s a celebration of Ireland’s world-renowned dairy products – often referred to as ‘Liquid Gold’ – and the sustainable practices that support them.

In addition to this impressive garden, the NDC will also host a dedicated Schools Hub within the main concourse, promoting the Moo Crew Schools programme and dairy nutrition education.

Cathy Curran, Communications Lead at NDC commented,

“We are thrilled to be back at Bord Bia Bloom for our fourth year, sharing the incredible story of Irish dairy – from grass to glass. In addition to our inspiring concept garden, we’ll have a dedicated area promoting dairy nutrition and the School Milk Programme. With a packed schedule of talks, tastings, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone – and perhaps even a few famous faces!”

Key Activities and Events at the NDC Garden:

1. Farming Fun
   • • Children across Ireland were invited to share their visions of the future of farming, with the winning entries featured at the garden.
     • A special talk, ‘Love in the Country,’ will see three women share their experiences of marrying dairy farmers and life on the land, hosted by Muireann O’Connell.
     • Young visitors can also try their hand at milking an interactive cow model and sample a wide range of delicious Irish dairy products.
2. Knowing Your Nutrition
   • • The secondary activation area will focus on dairy nutrition, with expert dietitians on hand to answer questions about diet and food choices.
     • Visitors can enjoy tastings of premium Irish yogurt, cheese, and milk, alongside talks on the future of food, bone health, and the benefits of dairy for overall wellness.
3. Moo Crew Schools Hub
   • • The dedicated Schools Hub will feature engaging lessons on dairy nutrition, promoting the importance of five servings of dairy a day for growing children.
     • Fun activities include a spinning wheel game and the chance to ‘milk’ a model dairy cow.

For more information about the National Dairy Council and its activities at Bord Bia Bloom, visit www.ndc.ie or contact Cathy Curran, ccurran@ndc.ie – 086 8777 664.  For interviews and media requests, please contact Cathy Curran on 086 8777 664 or ccurran@ndc.ie.

Editors Notes

Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland’s most unique festival of gardening, food, and sustainable living, returns for a 19th year this June bank holiday weekend (Thursday, May 29th–Monday, June 2nd 2025). Brimming with colour and creativity, it heralds the start of summer with a dazzling display of glorious gardens, fabulous food, and enthralling entertainment to entice visitors of all ages. Spanning an expansive 70-acre site in Dublin’s leafy Phoenix Park, Bloom is one of the country’s largest outdoor experiences, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.