Irish designers and craft makers are showcasing their goods to the world as part of a conference worth up to €20 million to the economy. It’s the 38th Showcase Expo, it’s been running since Sunday in the RDS, and 430 of the country’s leading creative manufacturers came to exhibit.

The RDS was full of beautiful and interesting goods, there was everything from jewellery and fashion, to woodwork, pottery and china. Designers came down from Northern Ireland and from all over the South to exhibit their products. More than 5,000 retail buyers are expected to come in total, from 26 different countries.  The place was so buzzing as I walked around, it was hard to imagine we’re coming out a recession. 

 

Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland said that this has been the most successful year yet. Interestingly, she mentioned a growing interest from countries like Russia and the US, while the demand has been big from China for the last few years. 

I met many of the exhibitors and came across some great success stories. Such as Lucy Hegarty, who makes Le Bougee Candles in Cork.  It was her first year at the expo and her candles got ‘highly commended’ during an award ceremony that they have there. 

 I came across a leather purse and bag maker. They come in nearly every shape, size and colour, but had really quirky little pictures of animals and Irish landscapes on the covers. Humphrey Murphy of Tinnakeenly Leathers told me that he's done better since the beginning of the recession.  He puts this down to the fact that consumers aren't spending on designer labels like they did in boom -times, and tend to appreciate good quality when they see it. 

 You can listen to the full feature below.