Businesses from Carlow and Kilkenny heading for Showcase 2026 have been revealed.
The annual Irish creative expo at the RDS runs from Sunday to next Tuesday (18th to 20th January), organised by by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland it’s the State’s largest international trade fair for the sector and attracts thousands of professional buyers from not just Ireland but also the United Kingdom, the United States, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa.
See the full list of exhibitors, many of whom are based in our locality, here including Conor Langton Art Prints, Geraldine Walsh Art, Jerpoint Glass Studio, K Kajoux Jewels, Kilkenny Silver, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Tinnakeenly Leathers Ltd, Jo Browne and Torc Candles.
While Local Enterprise Offices across the country see many of those they support involved too.
Carlow’s LEO has been working with Rachel Doyle of Blueberry Soul and Alex Kelly of Flower Child on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event.
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council’s LEO and believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. ‘Showcase is a significant commercial platform for emerging brands. It connects makers from Carlow and other counties around Ireland with national and international buyers in a focused setting. We have seen how a strong three days at the event can secure makers’ orders for the year and open longer-term relationships.’
While Kilkenny LEO has been working with Bó Bar Soap and Yellow Deer Designs – spokesperson Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise in Kilkenny County Council’s LEO says; “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that won’t happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward.”
