Whether you’re hosting a workshop, launching a prototype, or opening your studio to the public, if your event reflects the power of design to connect and create change, we want to hear from you. Through the funding available, there’s real opportunity to bring your ideas to life.

This year’s theme draws inspiration from a quote by William H. Walsh, the visionary founder of the Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW), marking the 60th anniversary of their opening by Dr. Patrick Hillery, former President of Ireland.

The ties that tie, and the links that link invites reflection on the many ways design connects us – through ideas, disciplines, generations, and geographies. It speaks to joined-up thinking, the strength of Ireland’s design diaspora, and the enduring influence of the past on our shared future.

The theme also speaks to a holistic vision, a shared curiosity and a belief in the power of learning together. When people from different disciplines come together with open minds, they create not only innovative work, but also a culture of discovery and mutual growth.

This year, Irish Design Week celebrates that spirit – the ties and links that bind us across disciplines, generations, and borders, and the potential they hold for shaping a better- designed future.

Be part of Irish Design Week 2025 by completing your details below.