Irish Floristry Bloomed Bright at Bloom 2026

Bloom 2026 was a landmark moment for Irish floristry.

Over five incredible days in the Phoenix Park, thousands of visitors stepped into the Institute of Flowers space and experienced first-hand the creativity, skill, passion, and professionalism that exists within our industry. What they saw was far more than flowers. They saw a community.

This year marked another important chapter in the growing partnership between the Institute of Flowers and Positive2Work Skillnet, whose continued support is helping us create meaningful education, training, and career development opportunities for florists across Ireland.

For many years, professional florists have had limited access to advanced industry training within Ireland. Through our collaboration with Positive2Work Skillnet, we are working to change that. Together, we are creating opportunities for florists to learn from internationally recognised educators, develop new technical and business skills, and strengthen the future of their businesses.

Bloom provided the perfect platform to showcase the results of that investment.

Throughout the festival, the Institute of Flowers stand became a hub of activity. Florists from across the country came together to demonstrate techniques, share knowledge, inspire visitors, and celebrate the craft that connects us all. From large-scale installations and floral fashion pieces to hands-on demonstrations and industry conversations, the space reflected the incredible talent that exists within Irish floristry.

One of the standout moments of the week was the Floral Fashion Competition, which challenged florists to create wearable floral art. The competition pushed creative boundaries while highlighting the technical expertise, innovation, and craftsmanship required within modern floristry. Visitors were given a rare opportunity to see the industry through a different lens and experience flowers as a true art form.

The Institute of Flowers community was also honoured to receive a Gold Medal for Floristry at Bloom 2026, and bronze for the Minion’s Garden recognising the skill, creativity, and dedication of the florists involved. Alongside this achievement, members of our community were also part of the award-winning Minions-inspired conceptual garden, which received a Bronze Medal. These successes demonstrate the exceptional standard of talent that exists within Irish floristry and the growing impact of our industry on the national stage.

Beyond the installations and competitions, Bloom was about visibility.

As an industry, florists play a significant role in some of life’s most important moments. We help people celebrate, comfort, remember, and connect. Yet the level of skill, education, and expertise behind that work is often overlooked.

The Institute of Flowers was created to help change that perception.

Our mission is to raise the profile of floristry as a skilled profession, provide opportunities for professional development, and build a stronger future for the industry. Bloom 2026 allowed us to share that message with the public while also encouraging the next generation to consider floristry as a creative and rewarding career path.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the florists, volunteers, sponsors, industry partners, and supporters who gave their time, energy, and expertise throughout the event.

We are especially grateful to Positive2Work Skillnet for their continued belief in the potential of our industry and their commitment to supporting education, leadership, sustainability, and innovation within floristry.

A special thank you must also go to Alex, whose photography captured the story of Bloom 2026 so beautifully. Every image featured throughout this article was taken by Alex, documenting not only the flowers and installations but also the people, friendships, learning experiences, and moments of community that made the week so memorable. His work has helped preserve the spirit of Bloom and the energy that exists within the Institute of Flowers.

Together, we are not simply creating beautiful flowers.

We are helping to protect skills, develop careers, strengthen businesses, and ensure that Irish floristry continues to grow, evolve, and thrive for generations to come.

Bloom 2026 reminded us exactly what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

This is only the beginning.

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