Donegal designers to the fore at the launch of Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo

Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo – launched at The Mansion House Dublin, with plenty of Donegal interest. 

Donegal makers Magee Clothing, Rossan Knitwear, and Hannah Hats of Donegal Ltd. were featured in the photocall for Showcase, which will return to the RDS Dublin from Sunday, January 19 until Tuesday, January 21. Models, Emma Rose and Renz, were styled in fashion and accessories from Showcase 2025.

Emma-Rose wears Magee 1866 Amanda Plaid Coat, €525; Magee 1866 Jenny Fair Isle knit Jumper (worn as scarf), €249; Rossan Knitwear Light Blue Hand Loomed Knit Jumper, €89.50; MNW ruched blue skirt, €98; GG Designs Shell Earrings,€35; Saw Framed Safety Pin Brooches, €60 each; One Dame Lane Rings, €50 each. Props: Hannah Hats Patchwork Tweed Walking Hat, €99; Amanda Murphy Ceramics Bowl, €55

This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Showcase, one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows that offers manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their new collections. In a global context, Showcase outperforms other UK and European trade shows based on the Net Promoter score, which looks at visitor satisfaction and loyalty.

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 for buyers from over 20 countries. This year, Showcase expects to welcome 3,500 visitors, including many who return year on year.

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 Analysis from Showcase 2024 estimated that the purchasing plans, as reported by visitors to the event, exceeded €20.5m and this independent research also shows that the orders generated by buyers to the event since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18% year on year. These figures also indicate the increase in the quality of the buyer now regularly attending the event.

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. Almost 90 brands will exhibit for the first time, and in celebration of 50 years, some brands will be returning to the show. 

Renz wears Magee 1866 Liffey Blazer €549.00; Magee 1866 Dunross Shirt €115.00; Magee 1866 Callan Tailored Wash Chinos, €139; Rossan Knitwear Two Tone Hand Loomed Scarf; One Dame Lane Blue and Silver Diamante Necklaces, €TBC each

Showcase is the first big event in the calendar for the design and craft sector in Ireland. It is a big revenue generator for the almost 400 exhibitors that attend the event each year, as well as significantly contributing to the national economy and Ireland’s export market. The Irish design and craft sector directly employs over 59,000 people, mostly outside of Dublin, which highlights the sector’s importance in regional employment and economic development. A successful three days at Showcase is the first step in a positive trading year for many of Ireland’s design and craft businesses.

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. Winners of the annual Showcase Awards at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®, will also be announced on Sunday 19th January. In addition to the ever-growing number of exhibitors and new products at the tradeshow, an array of events will take place on the inspiration stage including keynote speeches by Dragons’ Den panellist and entrepreneur, Sara Davies, and leading consumer behaviouralist, Ken Hughes which are not to be missed.

Launching Showcase 2025, Emer Higgins, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Showcase 2025 launch, the largest international trade show of its kind, while also marking a significant milestone – the 50th anniversary of this event. 

Over the past five decades, Showcase has evolved into a vital platform connecting both domestic and international retailers with exceptional Irish designers and craftspeople. Retailers play a crucial role in bringing these unique products to the global market, helping to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for quality and innovation. We know that the retail sector is a cornerstone of our national economy and a key partner in supporting the growth of Irish design and craft. Over the years, Showcase has been instrumental in fostering these connections, driving success for retailers, designers and makers both at home and abroad.”

Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO, of Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented: “Design & Crafts Council Ireland is proud to celebrate the 50th year of the establishment of Showcase. This event provides an invaluable platform for Irish designers and makers to show their craft and design to both domestic and international audiences and it is a major revenue generator for these businesses to really set them up for the year ahead. This year’s Showcase is set to be even bigger and better as we host a series of panel discussions as well as bringing industry insights to the exhibitors at the show from experts including ‘The King of Customer Experience’, Ken Hughes, and BBC Dragons and entrepreneur, Sara Davies, over the three-day show.”

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