Flower festivals have a special place in Irish culture and history. They are a celebration of nature and the changing seasons, as well as a tribute to the hard work of farmers and gardeners who cultivate the land. This flower festival is developed around twelve diverse themes and it also draws on the rich symbolism of plants, flowers and fruits that are depicted on the stained-glass windows in the church dedicated to St. Oliver Plunkett. The themed floral displays on display during the festival of flowers are the creations of award winning Dundalk native Paul Martin and his team. We are delighted to have Paul and his team working with us to make this an exceptional occasion.

Over the past two decades, Paul Martin Landscape and Garden Design has received nine Gold & three Best in Show awards for show gardens including Bloom in the Park (Gold & Best in Show 2007 / 2013, Gold 2012 / 2008), Royal Dublin Society (Gold & Best in Show 2005, Gold 2004), RHS HamptonCourt Flower Show (Gold 2014 / 2011) and Singapore Garden Festival (Gold 2012).The studio has also been awarded a number of other prestigious awards including a Silver medals at RHS Chelsea Flower Show (2003), Bronze at Flower Show Tatton Park (2002) and Silver Gilt awards in RHS Hampton Court Flower Show (2013 / 2006). In 2003, Paul Martin Landscape and Garden Design was the first ever recipient of the BBC’s People’s Choice Award at Chelsea.

The Church will be closed from Monday 26th Aug as Paul and his team begin the process of assembling what promises to be a floral extravaganza. The cool interior of the church and wax candles ideally suited for such an exhibition. The cost of the festival has been met by the pastoral council aided by generous donations. Monies raised by voluntarily subscriptions during the festival will go to Down Syndrome Ireland (local branch), North Louth Hospice and MS Ireland.