Laois jewellery maker to feature at Bord Bia's Bloom Garden festival
Emo's Yvonne Bolger to showcase stunning creations at Ireland's biggest gardening event
A Laois jewellery maker is set to feature at Bord Bia Bloom at the end of May.
Taking place from Thursday, 28 May to Monday, 1 June in Dublin's Phoenix Park, this year sees 65 makers from across the country display their wares as part of the Made Local campaign, celebrating the very best of Irish design and craft.
Emo based jeweller Yvonne Bolger is known widely for her bespoke creations and unique designs, and has been selected to feature at the DCCI (Design & Crafts Council Ireland) Irish Craft Village in Bloom.
Pictured: A gorgeous bluebell necklace inspired by Emo Court gardens from Yvonne Bolger Jewellery
"I originally worked as a solicitor, so going from that line of work to jewellery making was a big change," Ms Bolger told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"I had stayed at home with the kids for a while and was looking for something new, be it a different type of law or a total career change. I started a silver smithing course in the Dublin school of Jewellery around 15 years ago, I had been doing it as a hobby when the kids were in school," she said.
The crafter specialises in stunning silver and gold fine jewellery pieces, all handmade locally in Laois. Along with her 13 gorgeous collections, the designer creates commissioned pieces for customers.
"I decided to go for it and establish my own business, I've received great support from Laois based crafters and businesses," she praised.
Ms Bolger is delighted to have been selected to exhibit her work at Bloom, with her gorgeous pieces available for purchasing.
Pictured: A stunning ring from Yvonne Bolger's 'Silver Pebbles' range
Ms Bolger joined the DCCI several years ago, and has previously featured at Bloom.
"The craft village is lovely, it's a gorgeous section right in the heart of Bloom. Our stands are lovely, and I'll be setting up for the five days. I've taken part twice before, I'm thrilled to have been chosen," Ms Bolger said.
The businesswoman regularly features at markets such as Ballymaloe Craft Fair, the Butler Gallery Craft Fair and more.
This year’s Bloom craft village exhibitors have been selected from 152 applications, representing a wide spread of counties and disciplines and 34% of participants are new to the DCCI Irish Craft Village.
Yvonne Bolger's 'Love Knot' collection, a modern interpretation of the Ancient Celtic Knot
"We’re excited to bring the DCCI Irish Craft Village once again to Bord Bia Bloom, creating a space where visitors can experience the depth and diversity of Irish craft firsthand," Ms Blanchfield said.
"Bloom offers an invaluable platform for makers to showcase their work, tell their stories, and engage directly with a wide audience. Through our Made Local campaign, we’re proud to support Irish designers and craftspeople in building sustainable businesses while encouraging the public to choose locally made, unique, high-quality products.
"We look forward to another inspiring and successful year at Bloom 2026," she finished.
Find Yvonne Bolger at Bord Bia Bloom's DCCI Irish Craft Village from 28 May to June 1.
Alternatively, Yvonne's pieces can be bought from Portlaoise's Nook and Cranny, Fifty Seven Boutique in Durrow, Market Square Studios in Ballinakill, or from the Yvonne Bolger Jewellery online store.