The Sustainable Seafood Show Garden - Bloom 2018

The Sustainable Seafood Show Garden

The Sustainable Seafood Show Garden was a multi-award-winning showcase at Bloom 2018, designed by renowned Irish landscape designer Andrew Christopher Dunne. Drawing inspiration from his hometown of Clogherhead, Co. Louth, the garden celebrated Ireland’s rich seafood heritage while highlighting the importance of sustainability within the fishing industry.

Supported by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the garden told a compelling “tide to table” story—demonstrating how modern fishing practices protect marine ecosystems while sustaining coastal livelihoods.

The Brief

Andrew Christopher Dunne set out to create a visually striking and educational garden that would reflect the evolution of Ireland’s seafood industry. The design needed to:

• Communicate sustainability and environmental responsibility
• Reflect the character of Ireland’s rugged coastline
• Blend traditional and modern materials
• Provide a functional space for live cooking demonstrations

A key requirement was sourcing authentic, high-quality natural stone to replicate coastal rock formations and ground the garden in realism.

Natural Stone Solution

McMonagle Stone supplied premium Licenced Karst Limestone to bring the coastal vision to life. These natural limestone rock formations were carefully selected and positioned to mirror the dramatic geology of Ireland’s western seaboard.

The stone features were softened with a floral meadow of native planting, including ferns and grasses, creating a seamless integration between hard landscaping and organic elements. This combination delivered both visual impact and ecological authenticity.

Product Benefits

• Authentic Coastal Aesthetic - Karst Limestone perfectly replicates the rugged textures and tones found along Ireland’s coastline, enhancing realism in landscape design.
• Sustainable & Natural Material - As a natural stone product, limestone aligns with environmentally conscious design principles and long-term durability.
• Design Versatility - The stone complemented both traditional reclaimed materials and modern polished concrete, reinforcing the garden’s theme of old versus new.
• Durability & Longevity - Ideal for outdoor environments, limestone offers excellent resilience in varying weather conditions.

Project Outcome

The garden was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal and ‘Best in Category’ at Bloom 2018, further cementing Andrew Christopher Dunne’s reputation as one of Ireland’s leading garden designers.

McMonagle Stone played an integral role in the project’s success, collaborating closely with Andrew throughout the design and installation process. From sourcing the highest quality Irish stone to coordinating seamless delivery to the Phoenix Park, every detail was handled with precision.

Andrew Christopher Dunne shared the following testimonial:

“Any garden design is only an idea until you can assemble the right team around you to bring that design to life. McMonagle Stone were an integral part of that team on our Bloom garden. At an early stage of the design they guided me through the process of sourcing only the very best quality Irish stone. Finding the perfect stone to satisfy even the fussiest garden designers is one thing, but how they facilitated and coordinated everything behind the scenes to secure and transport it without a fuss impressed me most. I have no doubt that our award-winning garden would not have reached such heights without their help.”

This award-winning show garden stands as a benchmark for sustainable landscape design—demonstrating how natural materials, thoughtful design, and expert collaboration can create something truly exceptional.

Imagery by Conor McEneaney Photography