Celebrated worldwide for its exceptional craftsmanship and design excellence, Showcase marks its 51st year as Ireland’s premier platform for craft, design and creativity. Over the decades, this trade?only event has become a landmark in the global buying calendar, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Beyond the benefits of viewing such tactile products in person, buyers at Showcase enjoy the opportunity to meet the exhibitors who are often the craftspeople, creators and designers behind the work. This direct connection adds depth, insight and authenticity to the buying experience, making Showcase stand out internationally.
Magee 1866. Photo: Discover Ireland
This year’s theme, ‘Making Irish Stories’, highlights the narratives behind Ireland’s craft and design. Each piece reflects heritage, community, and innovation, shaped by landscapes and traditions that inspire makers nationwide.
Established in 1975 by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), Showcase began as the National Crafts Fair and has grown significantly in size and importance.
Today, it is delivered by DCCI with support from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Enterprise Ireland, and the Local Enterprise Offices.
With almost 400 exhibitors, including 105 new brands, Showcase 2026 celebrates Irish creativity and supports Irish-owned businesses as they grow and embrace new trends.
Enterprise Ireland will once again host the International Buyers’ Hub at the RDS, inviting 114 overseas buyers from the US, Canada, UK, France, Poland, the Benelux countries, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Middle East.
Orders generated by buyers since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18pc year-on-year
These buyers represent retail chains, department stores, online channels, and marketplaces.
Attendees with Enterprise Ireland can explore all Irish exhibitors and meet many Enterprise Ireland-supported businesses. Forty client companies will exhibit across fashion and apparel, health and beauty, and home, gift and jewellery, including Magee 1866, Aran Woollen Mills, Hanna Hats, The Handmade Soap Company and Nicholas Mosse.
According to DCCI’s independent research, orders generated by buyers since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18pc year-on-year. Analysis of Showcase 2025 estimated that purchasing plans exceeded €32m, highlighting the event’s significant commercial impact.
Mary Blanchfield, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said: “Showcase is vital to support Irish designers and craftspeople to help in amplifying their craft both nationally and internationally.
There will also be a conference exploring the new EU CIGI for the protection of craft and industrial products
“With Showcase, we aim to deliver a meaningful commercial impact that will help set them up for success throughout the year.”
In addition to the main Showcase event, there will also be an important conference to highlight and educate around the ongoing developments of the new EU Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications scheme, (CIGI) for the protection of craft and industrial products.
Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start, grow, and scale, and to achieve their global ambitions. Events like Showcase play an important role in this.
Showcase offers an invaluable opportunity for businesses to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with global buyers.
For more information or to register, visit www.showcaseireland.com. Karen Conroy is the Senior Client Adviser for Consumer – Fashion & Textiles at Enterprise Ireland
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