Irish Design 2050 brings designers, makers, emerging talent and the public together to explore the people, purpose and future of Irish design.
Irish Design 2050 is a three-evening public conversation series presented by The Slow Concept in Dingle Marina as part of Irish Design Week 2026. Responding to this year’s theme, Fáilte Future Europe, the series explores how Irish design can remain authentic, sustainable and internationally relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Across three connected but distinct evenings, audiences will explore the people, purpose and future of Irish design.
10 November – Meet the Makers: The People Meet the designers and makers behind the work and discover the stories, inspiration and creative journeys that shape Irish design.
12 November – Can Design Change the World?: The Purpose Explore how creativity, circularity and innovation can help shape a more sustainable future.
14 November – What’s Next?: The Future
Established designers and emerging talent look ahead and imagine what Irish design could become by 2050.
Designed for everyone—not just designers—Irish Design 2050 replaces lectures with engaging, accessible conversations, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between designers, students and the public while celebrating Ireland’s creativity and looking confidently towards the future.”
Reflecting the Theme: Fáilte Future Europe
Irish Design 2050 responds to Fáilte Future Europe by looking confidently towards the future while remaining rooted in the values and identity of Irish design. Through conversations about people, sustainability, circularity and emerging talent, the series explores how Irish designers can retain what makes their work distinctive while responding to the environmental, cultural and economic challenges of a changing Europe. It creates a space for designers, students and the public to consider Ireland’s place within a shared European design future—and to imagine what Irish design could become by 2050.
Wheelchair Accessible • Suitable for 16+
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Irish Design Week 2026
