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Showcase, billed as Ireland’s Creative Expo, is one of the country’s largest annual trade fairs, and is hosted in the RDS from January 19-21. Renowned globally for quality craftsmanship, this year’s Showcase will mark 50 years of showcasing Irish designs and creativity to the world. This landmark trade-only event has become a must-attend for buyers from right around the world.
As well as having the opportunity to view the products in-person, the buyers in attendance also get the unique opportunity to meet the participants and exhibitors – the innovative creators and designers behind the crafts on display. Read more Established in 1975 by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), Showcase began as the National Crafts Fair, but has grown significantly in both size and importance, and is now delivered with support from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. With almost 400 exhibitors participating in Showcase 2025, including almost 90 new brands, Showcase is a unique platform as it celebrates Irish creativity, design, and craftsmanship, and supports Irish-owned start-ups and businesses in this sector as they continue to grow and embrace new trends.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring products to international markets Enterprise Ireland will again host the International Buyers’ Hub at the RDS. Last year, Enterprise Ireland invited 90 overseas buyers to Showcase, and they represented retail chains, department stores, online shopping channels and marketplaces. Buyers attending this year with Enterprise Ireland will be able to explore all the Irish companies that are exhibiting and will have the opportunity to meet many of the Enterprise Ireland supported companies which will be exhibiting.
It shows items from crafts to fashion This year, there will be more than 30 Enterprise Ireland firms at Showcase, including business across fashion and apparel, health and beauty, and home, gift and jewellery. Some of these companies include Magees, Aran Woollen Mills, The Handmade Soap Company, Brooke and Shoals, Nicholas Mosse and Shanore Jewellery. According to DCCI’s independent research, orders generated by buyers to the event since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18pc year-on-year.
DCCI also found that from analysis of Showcase 2024 it was estimated that the purchasing plans, as reported by visitors to the event, exceeded €20.5m. Mary Blanchfield, the Design & Crafts Council interim CEO, said this year they expect to welcome 4,000 visitors.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to bring their products to domestic and international markets, to demonstrate the unique offering that has gained the Irish craft and design sector such an enviable global reputation and delivers a significant contribution to Brand Ireland DCCI,” she said. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start, grow and scale, and to achieve their global ambition. And events like Showcase play an important role in this, particularly for Irish-owned consumer brands.
Enterprise Ireland supports clients to meet new customers and build on existing relationships at trade events like Showcase throughout the year, as they enable entrepreneurs and companies to reach new audiences, both at home and abroad. Karen Conroy is the senior development adviser for retail, consumer & online at EI Read more.
