Showcase Ireland 2025 at the RDS celebrates 50th anniversary

Jan 6, 2025, by Showcase Ireland - Category: Retail News

SHOWCASE, IRELAND’S CREATIVE EXPO® 2025 AND LARGEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW, RETURNS TO THE RDS DUBLIN THIS JANUARY, AS IT CELEBRATES FIVE DECADES

Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® will return to the RDS Dublin on Sunday, 19^th January until Tuesday, 21^st January 2025. This year is the 50^th 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 to 3,500 buyers from Ireland and overseas.

Read full announcement: https://showcaseireland.com/newfront/news/returning-to-the-rds-this-january-as-we-celebrate-5-decades

Are you a GS1 Ireland Member exhibiting at Showcase this year? Email us at marketing@gs1ie.org or tag us on your social media posts and we'll give you a shout out too.

Showcase History

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.

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.

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 be announced on Sunday 19^th January.

Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase Ireland said: “As we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Showcase, we reflect with immense pride on the journey this event has taken. From its humble beginnings with a small group of Irish artisans, to becoming a globally renowned platform for creativity, design, and craftsmanship, Showcase has always been about more than just business – it’s about celebrating the extraordinary talent that defines Irish creativity. Over the past five decades, Showcase has continuously evolved, embracing new trends and technology, and the changing needs of both our exhibitors and international buyers. It stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of Ireland's creative industries. We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone and excited to see the continued growth and success of Showcase in the years ahead.”

Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented: “Design & Crafts Council Ireland is delighted to present Showcase, the leading creative expo in Ireland, at the RDS in January and we look forward to welcoming over 4,000 visitors. It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to bring their products to domestic and international markets, to demonstrate the unique offering that has gained the Irish craft and design sector such an enviable global reputation and delivers a significant contribution to Brand Ireland DCCI. We're delighted to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to celebrate 50 years of Showcase. The long tenure and continued growth of the tradeshow is testament to its focus on responding to market developments and to always remaining relevant to exhibitors and buyers.

Tom Rooney, Head of Craft and Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said; “The Local Enterprise Offices are proud to celebrate 50 years of Showcase with our partners the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Showcase as played a pivotal role for many of our best up and coming craft and design clients in helping them to establish a foothold in the market both here and internationally and we see that impact growing year on year. The Local Enterprise Showcase gives us a chance to spotlight those start-ups and established small businesses in the space and give them an opportunity to link with buyers but also to connect with similar businesses forging connections and helping them to grow. This is also the second year of the Business of Craft Awards. Following last year’s success, we look forward to celebrating the exceptional entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses around their remarkable products and are ready to bring their creations to a wider international market.”

Teri Smith, Manager, Retail Consumer & Online, Enterprise Ireland, added: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Design & Crafts Council Ireland to support Showcase, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, Showcase has become a key international platform for Irish designers, showcasing their exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation to international buyers. As a global leader in supporting Irish companies, Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping our designers and makers access new international markets. Through our network of 39 offices worldwide, we are delighted to continue to connect Irish talent with international buyers, helping to promote the distinctiveness and quality of Irish craft and design on a global stage.”

About Showcase - Organisers and Dates

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, 19^th January to Tuesday, 21^st January 2025 in the RDS Dublin.

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.