This year is the 50th anniversary of Showcase, one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows that offers manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their new collections to over 4,000 buyers from Ireland and overseas.
Showcase was founded in 1976 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and began life as the National Crafts Fair. Over the past 50 years, Showcase has grown from a show for domestic buyers alone to a show not only for buyers in Ireland, but for buyers from over 25 countries. It has taken place in the RDS Dublin each year, originally in the Industries Hall and now taking up the four major halls of the RDS. Showcase continues to evolve and attract buyers from all over the world, introducing them to talented Irish exhibitors.
Last year’s Showcase welcomed almost 400 exhibitors, a significant incline from the 50 exhibitors that took part in the launch almost 50 years ago. In 2024, Showcase welcomed more than 4,000 buyers from Ireland and overseas and upwards of €25 million in sales orders were transacted over the three days. Showcase is a key destination for domestic and international buyers as they travel to view 400 exhibitors who show their latest collections across four product categories – home and gift, wellbeing, fashion, and jewellery.
While celebrating 50 years of showcasing Irish craft and design, sustainability, responsible retail, independent retailers, and sector development are also significant pillars of this year’s event.
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “It is a testament to the success of Showcase that this year it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Not only does Showcase celebrate the highly crafted and creative products that have become synonymous with Irish design and craft - it is also a destination for international buyers and retailers to meet the makers behind the products. This gives rise to stories and insights that translate into consumer marketing and selling. We saw this last year, as €25 million in sales orders were transacted over the three days of Showcase.”
Adding to this, Emma Dowling, Head of Commercial at DCCI, said: “The growth of Showcase over the past fifty years has been exceptional, from an event that had 50 designers, craftspeople and makers open to buyers from Ireland only, to one of the leading international trade shows that brings together 4,000 buyers and 400 exhibitors. Each year Showcase has evolved, responding to international trends, advances in technology and identifying themes that resonate with buyers and exhibitors alike, ensuring it is always relevant and a key date in the design and craft calendar in Ireland and across the world. We are delighted to celebrate the 50th year of Showcase this year and look forward to seeing what the coming years hold for this great body of talent in Ireland.”
Tom Rooney, Head of Craft and Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said: “The Local Enterprise Offices are excited to partner again with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to bring Showcase 2025 to life. This is the set piece event of the year for our craft and design clients and helps the brightest and best in the sector to a huge audience of national and international buyers.
“We are also excited to have the second year of the Local Enterprise Showcase Business of Craft Awards. Last year was a huge success and we are looking forward to honouring those outstanding craft and design entrepreneurs who have built businesses that can grow around their amazing products and have the potential to export to significant international audiences.”
Karen Conroy, Senior Development Adviser for Retail, Consumer & Online, Enterprise Ireland, added: “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to partner with Design & Craft Council Ireland to deliver Showcase. Irish designers have established a renowned reputation globally for their creativity, quality and craftsmanship, and this is a particularly important year for this exhibition platform, as Showcase marks its 50th anniversary. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish companies to reach new global markets, and our network of 39 international offices continues to work with strategically important international buyers from markets all over the world to source quality Irish products at Showcase and to meet with uniquely talented Irish designers, craftspeople and manufacturers.”
Showcase is the largest inter-agency tradeshow of the year for the craft and design sector, presented by Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices, and supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Showcase Ireland is a unique and ‘must attend’ show in buyers’ diaries. Showcase is organised 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. Showcase 2025 is for trade attendance only and will take place from Sunday, 19th January to Tuesday, 21st January 2025 in the RDS Dublin.
