- 3,350 buyers from Europe, America, Canada and the Middle East expected over three days
- Almost 400 exhibitors expected to generate over €32m in sales
- The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople
Tuesday, 6th January 2026: Today, Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® launched at The Factory, Bolands Mills, with models Hannah and Patrick styled in fashion and accessories from Showcase 2026. Showcase, which returns to the RDS, Dublin, from Sunday, 18th January to Tuesday, 20th January 2026, brings together hundreds of Ireland’s leading designers, makers and creative brands under one roof. Buyers from Ireland and across the globe are once again expected to attend the country’s largest annual trade event for Irish craft, design and creativity.
In 2026, Showcase will welcome almost 400 exhibitors under this year’s theme, ‘Making Irish Stories’, which celebrates the depth, diversity and cultural power of Irish craft and design. The theme highlights the narratives behind the work of makers from every corner of the island and their stories shaped by landscapes, communities, heritage and innovation that makes the products found at Showcase so beautiful and unique.
105 brands will exhibit for the first time at this year’s event and 280 brands including Aran Woollen Mills; Tipperary Crystal; Solvar; C. Bonner & Co.; Brooke & Shoals; Irish Handmade Soap Co.; Saol Knitwear; Agency International; Shandon of Ireland; Royal Tara; Newgrange Living; Martina Hamilton and Vivien Walsh will return to the show to sell to over 3,350 buyers from across the globe. Analysis from Showcase 2025 estimated that the value of orders placed at the show or planned as a result of the show, as reported by visitors, exceeded €32m. This independent research also shows that the orders generated by buyers to the event since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18% year on year. These figures also indicate the increase in the quality of the buyer now regularly attending the event. The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, health and wellbeing, jewellery and home and giftware.
Showcase is the first big event in the calendar for the design and craft sector in Ireland. It is a big revenue generator for the almost 400 exhibitors that attend the event each year, as well as significantly contributing to the national economy and Ireland’s export market. The Irish design and craft sector directly employs over 73,000 people, mostly outside of Dublin, which highlights the sector’s importance in regional employment and economic development. A successful three days at Showcase, is the first step in a positive trading year for many of Ireland’s design and craft businesses.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland, in conjunction with Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, EU Commission DG-Grow and EUIPO is organising an international conference during Showcase on Monday, 19th January. The conference will promote the new EU Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications scheme, (CIGI) for the protection of craft and industrial products. The programme is part of the EU’s CIGI Capital Tours initiative with the objective of raising awareness with CIGI stakeholders in member states about the new scheme which came into force in December 2025 providing producers of traditional craft and industrial products with intellectual property protection similar to Agri-Food products. The institution of this event underscores the strength of Ireland’s craft and design sector and recognises its reputation on an international scale.
Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment commented on the launch of Showcase 2026: “I’m delighted to continue to support Showcase, the largest international trade show of its kind. Over the years Showcase has grown into an essential platform, linking Irish designers and craftspeople with retailers from across Ireland and from around the world. Retailers play a really significant role in bringing these products to the global market, helping to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for quality and innovation and supporting our SMEs to grow and export. The retail sector remains a vital part of our economy and a key partner in supporting the continued growth of Irish design and craft. Showcase continues to play a pivotal role in building these relationships contributing to the success of retailers, craftspeople and designers both nationally and internationally.”
Mary Blanchfield, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented: “Design & Crafts Council Ireland looks forward to this year’s 51st Showcase. This annual event continues to be an essential platform for Irish designers and makers, connecting their craft and design with both domestic and international audiences, while generating significant revenue that helps position their businesses strongly for the year ahead. In 2026, it is more important to support Irish designers and makers to help them amplify their craft at home and abroad, to deliver a meaningful commercial impact that will help set them up for success throughout the year.”
Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase Ireland said: “As we prepare to open the doors once again for Showcase 2026, we are delighted to welcome back returning exhibitors as well as 105 brands exhibiting for the first time. What began as a celebration of Irish craftsmanship has grown into Ireland’s largest international trade show, showcasing the exceptional creativity and innovation that define our industries. This year’s theme, ‘Making Irish Stories’, celebrates the depth and cultural power of Irish craft and design. We are proud to highlight the narratives behind the work of makers from every corner of the country and their stories which are shaped by the environment around them.”
Pamela Kerr, Head of Craft and Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said; “The Local Enterprise Offices are delighted to be back at Showcase again for 2026 with over 100 LEO supported companies that will be taking part. Showcase is very much the kick-off event for these businesses each year and we work hard with our colleagues in Design & Crafts Council and Enterprise Ireland to add real value for our clients. This event can be a real starting point to sell to buyers for the year, so we want to ensure all our clients benefit from the event.”
Karen Conroy, Senior Development Adviser, Consumer and International Education, Enterprise Ireland stated: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to once again partner with Design & Crafts Council Ireland for Showcase, a cornerstone event in the global consumer retail calendar. In this 51st year of Showcase, our international network has connected with leading buyers from across the world who are eager to source premium Irish textiles, craft, jewellery, wellness and beauty products, and giftware. By linking these buyers with Ireland’s most iconic products and the talented makers behind them, Enterprise Ireland looks forward to driving continued international success for Irish businesses at Showcase 2026. The consumer products sector remains strongly export-focused, delivering impressive double-digit growth in recent years. Showcase 2026 offers an invaluable platform for Irish companies to celebrate this success and to forge new partnerships while strengthening existing relationships with global buyers.”
Showcase is the largest inter-agency tradeshow of the year for the craft and design sector, and a unique and ‘must attend’ show in buyers’ diaries. Showcase is led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. It is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Showcase 2026 is for trade attendance only and will take place from Sunday, 18th January to Tuesday, 20th January 2026 in the RDS Dublin. Winners of the annual Showcase Awards at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®, will be announced on Sunday 18th January.
Showcase’s digital offering – ShowcaseIreland.com – provide invaluable resources in the lead up to and during the tradeshow, enabling buyers to browse, connect and book meetings with exhibitors online or at the show.
For further details on the event or to pre-register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Eimear Harding, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, DCCI, [email protected]
For further press information please contact Elevate PR on [email protected]
About Showcase
Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® is one of the country’s largest international trade shows. The annual event is attended by thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, Mainland Europe, Asia, and Africa generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. Almost 400 Irish brands are exhibited at the fair, including emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase is for trade attendance only.
www.showcaseireland.com @showcase_ireland
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for design and craft in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of design and craft. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 68 member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients.
www.dcci.ie / @dccireland
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. We work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth, regional development, and secure employment.
www.enterprise-ireland.com / @enterprise_ireland
About Local Enterprise Offices
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training, and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to: www.localenterpriseoffices.ie / @local_enterprise_offices
