Kildare designers at RDS expo
One of Kildare's exhibitors, joiner Nessa from Athy
AT least 13 Kildare companies are to at ‘Showcase’ Ireland’s International Creative Expo, which returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 19 January to Tuesday, 21 January.
Luxury candlemakers ‘A Little Bit of Scents’, hand-crafted furniture makers ‘Sam agus Nessa’ from Athy, and Deerpark Knitwear from Monasterevin are just three of the specialized exhibitors who will have their wares on display.
Almost 400 exhibitors and more than 3,500 visitors from Ireland and overseas expected to attend. Marking a significant milestone this year, Showcase, will celebrate 50 years of bringing together the best in Irish craftsmanship and design for a memorable celebration of creativity and innovation.
Showcase was established in 1975 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 20 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, and it 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 3,000 buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries, including the UK, North America, Middle East, Asia and mainland Europe.
Independent research shows that the orders generated by buyers to the event since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18 per cent year on year, and the analysis from Showcase 2024 estimated that the purchasing plans, as reported by visitors to the event, exceeded €20.5m. These figures also indicate the increase in the quality of the buyer now regularly attending the event.
In 2025, Showcase expects 3,500 visitors, including many who return to meet their valued clients year on year. Almost 90 brands will exhibit for the first time, and in celebration of 50 years, some brands will be returning to the show.
The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, health & wellbeing, jewellery, home and giftware.
Showcase 2025 will see a continuation of successful features including the Inspiration Stage, which will play host to industry talks and panel discussions from experts including Ken Hughes, leading consumer behaviouralist and Sara Davis, Dragons Den panellist and entrepreneur, The Edit, a curated selection of exquisite products exhibited at the show, and the annual Showcase Awards which will take place on Sunday 19 January.
Showcase’s digital offering – ShowcaseIreland.com and Showcase Connect app – 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.
