Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo – returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 19th of January to Tuesday, 21st of January 2025 with 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.
Connacht designers and makers exhibiting at Showcase include Irish Sockciety from Galway, Leitrim Soaps from Leitrim, Aran Woolen Mills from Mayo, Lydia Clayton Goldsmith from Roscommon and Soak from Sligo.
Connacht businesses taking part in Showcase for the first time this year include Sláinte Sea Moss from Mayo and My Tribe from Galway.
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. Showcase 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 increase 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.
Rita Oates to unveil new collection at Showcase 2025 this weekend
Contemporary Irish artist Rita Oates will debut her latest collection at Showcase 2025, taking place at the RDS Dublin from January 19-21st.
Following her retirement from a 40-year career as director of ETL Craft & Giftware, Roscommon, Rita now dedicates herself fully to her first love: art.
Her collection includes designer scarves, framed prints, and greeting cards – all infused with her signature themes of positivity, connection, and the power of the human spirit.
Already featured in over 40 retail outlets nationwide, her work is celebrated for its heartfelt imagery and stories that inspire and uplift.
Each piece reflects Rita’s commitment to sustainability. Greeting cards are printed on FSC-certified paper with recycled envelopes, and her framed prints use eco-friendly materials. Designed and produced in Roscommon, her work highlights the best of Irish craftsmanship.
Visit Rita’s exhibit at Showcase 2025 to explore her art – a celebration of life and kindness.
